By Cody Wright — Football Correspondent

Southfield A&T’s Warriors were no match for the Wildcats Friday night as Oxford’s varsity football squad beat them 41-28.

The Wildcats, coming off their first loss of the season the week before against West Bloomfield, showed no hesitation and kept playing the type of football they’ve been playing this season.

In the first quarter, Oxford was the first to put points on the board. Quarterback Drew Carpenter kept the ball and ran it into the end zone from 19 yards out.

Later on, a field goal attempt by Southfield failed and the quarter ended with the Cats up by 7.

In the second quarter, a fumble by the Wildcats led to the Warriors gaining possession on Oxford’s 20-yard line.

Southfield running back D’Anthony Robinson came strong out of the backfield and tied the game at 7.

Oxford, looking to make up for the fumble that cost it the lead, didn’t waste any time getting back on track.

Oxford running back Trent Myre  absolutely dominated, breaking tackles left and right in the second quarter.

Drew Carpenter continued to show his range as a quarterback, throwing the ball well, and running the ball when necessary.

Carpenter once again brought the ball inside the 10-yard line and finished the job with his second touchdown of the night to once again give the Cats the lead, which they maintained as the half ended.

In the third quarter, Oxford found themselves inside the 10-yard line, first and goal. Carpenter came out with a smart pitch to running back Caleb Tabert, who ran the ball in for a touchdown.

With the Wildcats up by 14, the Warriors looked to shake things up, answering back quickly with a stretch from 43 yards out by quarterback Anthony Romphf. The third quarter ended with the score as such. However, in the fourth, both sides took off offensively.

With numerous runs, Myre was absolutely on fire. With the ball spotted on the 5-yard line, Myre took it all the way and scored his first touchdown of the night. Oxford stayed solid defensively, as players like Joseph Vackaro and Austin Schlicht forced the Warriors to punt the ball away.

The Cats raced back, hungry for another touchdown. Tabert stepped up again with a 40-yard run bringing the ball to the Warriors 30-yard line.

Continuing to chip away, and eventually finishing the job, Tabert scored his second touchdown of the evening.

With 5:04 remaining in the game, the score was 34-14, the Warriors continued to come at Oxford.

Southfield quarterback Romphf, who threw the ball well all night, landed a pass to Saunders Carter. Romphf also found success running the ball in, sending the Cats offense back to work.

Southfield attempted an onside kick that was recovered by Tabert, and once more Myre took off on 35-yard run. The ball was spotted on the 5-yard line. Myre then finished the job, scoring his second touchdown of the night.

With time running out, Southfield managed to score once more. Southfield didn’t stop pressing Oxford, however penalties were a huge factor that killed them in the end.

Head Coach Bud Rowley has repeatedly emphasized to his players the importance of being disciplined in all aspects of the game and it’s paying off this year.

So far, it’s been a good season as Oxford’s overall record now stands at 3-1.

They Cats are set to take on Rochester Adams at home on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.