The Oxford Wildcats ended their era in the Flint Metro League last week as the best football program in league history, finishing with a remarkable 28-year streak of winning seasons.
Keeping that 28-year streak intact wasn’t exactly easy at the Wildcats had to top Holly, 24-23, in overtime to finish at 5-4 on the season.
Coach Bud Rowley told his team several times during the season that they had ‘heart? and would not give up when facing some adversity.
Following the Holly victory, Coach Rowley praised his seniors for stepping up and ending the school’s time in the FML on a winning note.
‘The seniors did a great job in winning the last game in classic fashion, in an overtime. It left the juniors and sophomores off on the right foot to start the new season in the OAA next year.
‘It was a hard-fought year for our seniors and they showed heart all year and set a great example for the juniors and sophomores.?
The team needed heart to stop the Bronchos and hold on for the overtime win.
The Wildcats took the lead early in the game but Holly came back with 14 points in the second quarter to tie the Cats at 14 at halftime.
The teams slugged it out in the second half with Oxford getting a field goal by Matt Versteeg to tie the game at 17 each in the fourth quarter at 17.
Oxford got the ball first in overtime and scored. Versteeg’s conversion gave Oxford a 24-17 advantage.
Holly then scored but missed the conversion to secure the 28th consecutive winning season for Oxford football.
Prescott line had two TDs, including the game winner. He rushed for 95 yards on 17 carries. He caught a nine-yard TD pass from quarterback Zac Miller.
Bart Nolde had Oxford’s third TD.
Miller was 2-for-3 passing for 42 yards and the TD. He also rushed 12 times for 60 yards. Gabe Grifka contributed 48 yards on the ground. Cody Collier added a 33-yard reception to the Wildcat’s offense, which totaled 302 yards.
Line and Gary Wurtz led the defense to hold holly to 200 yards of offense.