Game Preview: Oxford Chargers (2-1) at Lafayette Commodores (2-1)

The+Chargers+line+up+against+the+Lafayette+Commodores+in+last+years+Crosstown+Classic%2C+which+took+place+on+Friday%2C+September+11%2C+2020.+The+Chargers+won+the+game+33-22.

Rosie Frugé

The Chargers line up against the Lafayette Commodores in last year’s Crosstown Classic, which took place on Friday, September 11, 2020. The Chargers won the game 33-22.

Owen Collins

Week 3 offensive MVP: RB Roman Gregory (84 YDS, 1 TD)

Week 3 defensive MVP: LB, P Ben Goubeaux (12 TOT TCKLS, 8 SOLO)(6 P, 259 YDS)

For the 2021 “Crosstown Classic,” the Oxford Chargers will travel across town to William L. Buford Stadium to play the 2-1 Lafayette Commodores. The Commodores are coming off of two wins as the Chargers are coming off of one loss. In last year’s matchup, the Chargers won their fourth “Crosstown Classic” 33-22.

 

Players to watch:

Oxford RB Roman Gregory: 5’10” 180 lbs junior for Oxford. Last week, Gregory rushed 5 times for 65 yards, and he also had 1 TD. His average yards per carry this season is 5.7. Gregory is a great RB and a great player to watch this season.

Lafayette LB Mario Wilbourn: 6’0” 210 lbs senior for Lafayette. On the season, Wilbourn has 16 total tackles with an average of 8 tackles per game. Lafayette’s defense will be a threat Friday night as they play very physically.

Oxford LB, P Ben Goubeaux: 6’0” 220 lbs senior for Oxford. This season, Goubeaux averages 14 tackles a game. While Goubeaux plays defense for Oxford, he also punts for special teams. With 392 punting yards on the season, Goubeaux is definitely one to watch this Friday night. 

Lafayette DE, TE Derrick Burgess Jr: 6’3” 250 lbs senior for Lafayette. Burgess Jr. has 22 total tackles on the season with an average of 7.3 tackles per game. Burgess Jr is one to watch Friday night, while he has 6 sacks and 6 caused fumbles.

 

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 Lafayette. The Chargers are known as a second half team and usually score the most after the halftime talk. Having multiple QBs and RBs helps keep the backfield fresh for the Chargers. The X Factor for Friday’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 Lafayette.

 

Prediction

Coming off of a loss to Ruston, the Chargers have mistakes to learn from. The Chargers are looking for their fifth “Crosstown Classic” win in a row over the Commodores. Oxford’s offense will have to put up points throughout the game. The Lafayette defense will be a hard squad to go up against, but the Chargers’ offense will adjust. The atmosphere will be electric with both of the student sections filled to the brim and ready to cheer on their teams throughout the whole game. 21-10, Chargers.