“Battle on the Border” Game Preview: Oxford Chargers (2-0) vs. Ruston Bearcats (1-1)

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Callie Carter

The Chargers prepare for a play against the Brandon Bulldogs on August 27. The Chargers won the game 24-17.

Owen Collins, Staff Writer

Week one offensive MVP: WR Dane Harmon (107 Yds, 1 TD)

Week one defensive MVP: LB Keegan Wilfawn (13 total tackles, 11 solo tackles)

This Saturday, the Oxford Chargers travel to Shreveport, Louisiana to compete in the “Battle on the Border.” Ruston is coming off of a 27-24 loss to Neville. On August 27, the Chargers came back in the second half to beat Brandon at home after a slow start to conclude a 24-17 win.

Players to watch:

Oxford RB Omar Howell: Senior and captain of the Oxford Chargers. Howell is a dog in the backfield while averaging 4.8 rushing yards per carry and a total of 925 rushing yards during the 20-21 season. Howell rushes for 77.1 yards per game and 11 total rushing TDs. Howell had 1 TD against Brandon.

Ruston RB Dyson Fields: 5’10” 190 lbs junior for Ruston. Fields is ranked number 21 in LA as a running back.

Oxford LB Alex Sanford: Junior for the Oxford Chargers. Sanford had 77 solo tackles with a total of 116 tackles. Sanford averages 9.7 tackles per game. Sanford is a 6’3” 235 lbs powerhouse that brings energy on the defensive side for the Chargers. In week 1, Sanford had 4 QB hurries against Brandon.

X Factor: 

Oxford’s Offense: While the Chargers lost WRs due to graduation, the Chargers’ offense will have to settle down early in the game against Ruston. The Chargers are known as a second half team and usually score the most after the half time talk. Having multiple QBs and RBs helps keep the backfield fresh for the Chargers. The X Factor for Saturday’s game will be the offense for Oxford, and they will have to set the tone and keep up the energy throughout the game against Ruston.

Prediction

Coming off of a bye week, the Chargers have had time to learn from the week 1 game against the Brandon Bulldogs. The Chargers’ offense came out ready to play after the first half but this Saturday, the offense will have to play their “second half game” throughout the whole game. Not knowing what to expect from a 5a Louisiana team, the Chargers will have to come into this game ready to play one snap at a time. 21-14, Chargers.