It was a magical night for what Oxford Coach Bud Rowley says is a magical group of players.
That magic, Rowley told his team following their 49-26 comeback win over Southfield on Friday, came with sacrifice and hard work on their part. Southfield had only one loss coming into play.
The victory improved Oxford’s record to 5-2. One more victory in the final two games of the season will assure the Wildcats a berth in the state playoffs but the team would likely qualify for state playoff action even with five victories based on the records of their opponents.
The magic on Friday also came in the performance by senior running back Prescott Line, who ran for what is believed to be a school record 391 yards on 45 carries and scored six touchdowns.
Line is the leading running back in the state with 1,790 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns in seven games. He is averaging 255.5 yards per game rushing.
Anytime Line is asked about his performances this season, the humble ball carrier credits his offensive line and blockers.
The offensive line, Collin Goetz, Tyler Hunsucker, Andrew Davis, Logan Money, Zack Hadorn, Piper Thaler and end Kyle Anderson’have opened up some tremendous holes on the line of scrimmage. Fullback Dakota Westmoreland provided key blocks downfield. Line has done much of the rest on his own.
Line is the defending state wrestling champion in Division II at 220 pounds. He possesses a tremendous combination of strength, size and speed.
In several games this season, Oxford has trailed early. The Bluejays held a 13-0 advantage in the first quarter and the halftime score was 20-14 in favor of Southfield.
Oxford’s punishing ground game has worn down defenses in the third and fourth quarter and the Cats have had some great second halves.
It became obvious that some of the Southfield defensive backs had grown weary of trying to tackle Line in the second half after he had burst through the line of scrimmage and was heading in their direction.
He scored four of his touchdowns and ran for more than 200 yards in the second half, the longest a 35-yard TD run. That score gave the Wildcats a 35-20 lead.
Freshman Glacier Wallington also contributed to the night of magic by scoring the Wildcats? final TD when he intercepted a pass and returned it 101 yards with five seconds remaining in the game.
Coach Rowley said the team’s ‘magic? is a combination of some skill but mostly it is just hard work.
Rowley said the players are dedicated, whether it is in the weight room, in practice or in a game.
‘These kids work their butts off.?
Line said the team does a great job of picking each other up and supporting each other during the games.
‘The offensive line is the soul of our offense,? Line said. ‘They do a great job every game. They work so hard and support each other.?
Oxford will travel to Clarkston on Friday in an Oakland Activities Association crossover game. Clarkston is 5-2 with both of their losses coming via forfeits after an ineligible player was used.