Oxford’s Wildcats put one in the win column Thursday evening after beating Troy Athens 17-7 on the Red Hawks’ turf.

Athens drew first blood in the first quarter with a 23-yard touchdown, but that’s the only time the Red Hawks would enter the end zone.

The Wildcats’ defense toughened up and stayed strong the rest of the night.

The defense forced three turnovers, two fumbles and an interception by Marcus Hufnagle.

Oxford’s running game was strong as the Wildcats racked up 273 yards on the ground.

Devon Hudson led the rushing attack with 11 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the second and third quarters. Hudson’s longest carry was a73-yard run that resulted in a touchdown in the third quarter.

Drew Carpenter racked up 111 yards on 21 carriers.

Matthew Mielnicki capped off the scoring by booting a 23-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

Oxford will take on Rochester Adams in a road game Friday at 7 p.m.