By Jared Redding
OXFORD – For the first time in five years, the annual Crosstown Classic has finally lived up to its name. And for the fourth straight year, the victor remains the same.
The Chargers took advantage of three second-half turnovers by Lafayette High, and Drew Bianco put the final nail in the coffin, to win 31-21 against their cross-town rival. Oxford High has now won four straight in the series, its longest streak since winning five straight from 1992-1996.
Facing adversity from injuries, suspensions, and a 1-2 record, Oxford fought through it all.
“We had some guys injured and hurting, and the next guy rolled off and played well,” said OHS head coach Johnny Hill.
Said senior OHS quarterback Jack Abraham, “Our guys made plays when we needed them to. They (Lafayette) shut down D.K (Metcalf) early on; (Zach) Cousar, Ken (Presley), Jimmy (Greaser), all of those guys stepped up.”
Abraham had a stellar game against Lafayette last season. He had another good performance last Friday. He completed 21 of his 34 passes for 265 yards and three scores through the air.
Two of Abraham’s touchdown passes were to Ken Presley, who finished with 71 yards along with his career high two touchdown receptions. The other touchdown pass from Abraham went to Jimmy Greaser who finished with 106 yards. Greaser also won MVP honors.
Defensively, three players finished with double-digit tackle numbers. Dee Fair finished with a whopping 19 tackles. Jack Turner and Marcel Pegues finished with 11 tackles.
C.J. Terrell stepped up in a huge way by getting two interceptions and forcing a fumble on a great run by Lafayette’s Tyrell Price.
“Coach told me I was starting this week. I knew that I had a big chip on my shoulder and I had to perform well for my coaches to impress them and to impress my brothers to let me stay in the starting rotation,” Terrell said.
As an entire defensive unit, Oxford bent at times and broke at times, but they held firm a couple of times in the red zone. Lafayette missed three field goals, one of them blocked. Also, a good Lafayette drive ended with a fumble caused by Terrell near the red zone.
Extra Points
Turning Point: Once Greaser scored from 18 yards out and Terrell got his first interception, Oxford had a chance to put the game away. Abraham found Metcalf in one-on-one coverage and threw to him. An 80-yard touchdown reception by Metcalf was wiped off the scoreboard because of a penalty. That touchdown would’ve most likely put the game on ice, but the touchdown was erased and allowed Lafayette to get back into the game. Oxford punted on that drive.
Playmaker: A couple of players from Oxford had MVP worthy stats. In terms of having an impact on the game, Terrell would be the one to turn to. He was responsible for all three of Lafayette’s turnovers, getting two picks and a forced fumble.
Talking Point: “It’s kind of like the battle of (Mississippi) Highway 6, you own the town whenever you win this rivalry, and we’ve won it four years in a row. I’m thankful for all of that,” Fair said.
Notes:
- The Chargers blocked a Commodore field goal at the conclusion of the first half and returned the ball all the way for a touchdown. Oxford was penalized and that score was vacated. Oxford went into the half leading 17-14.
- With this win, Oxford has now outscored Lafayette a combined 121-28 in the last four Classics.
- Oxford has a bye week this week. Next week, the Chargers host their first division game of the season, against the West Point Green Wave.
