A great defense can often be the best thing for an inconsistent offense.
Oxford football coach Bud Rowley told his team they resembled a rollercoaster at times Friday in a 14-0 victory over Kearsley.
‘We can’t put the ball on the ground so much,? Rowley said referring to several offensive miscues. ‘We’ve got to get better and we will.?
Coach praised the defense’s showing and said he is confident the offense will be more consistent.
Rushing is usually the Wildcat’s strength but the team netted only 164 yards on the ground. Several drives were stalled with fumbles, which is a problem that also plagued the Cat’s the week before in a victory over Clio.
But, quarterback Nick Tombrella had his best game passing, connecting on 7-of-8 passes for 87 yards and a score.
Austyn Sylva scored on a 7-yard run on the opening drive of the game, with 7:20 left in the first quarter. Matt Versteeg kicked the first of his two conversions.
Sylva finished with 45 yards rushing.
The Wildcat’s second TD came with 2:53 left before halftime on a 9-yard pass from Tombrella to Tony Esparsa.
Andrew Logan led all runners with 77 yards on 18 carries. Geoffrey Charles had 38 yards rushing and another 45 on pass receptions.
But, the defense was anything but inconsistent by registering the shutout and Rowley praised the squad for its play.
Linebacker Mario Paese led the way with 17 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Dennis Brown and Gabe Grifka each snared interceptions, stopping two Hornet drives. The victory improved Oxford’s record to 2-0 and set up this Friday’s showdown with Lapeer West at 7 p.m. in Oxford.
Lapeer West and Oxford were co-champions last season in the Flint Metro League. West has already suffered a loss, dropping a 21-16 decision to Fenton last week.