If the Oxford Wildcats make the state playoffs, Coach Bud Rowley’s team will have to get by Oak Park High School on Friday.
Last week, the Wildcats pummeled Southfield Lathrup, 49-15, to improve to 3-3 in the OAA White Division and 3-4 overall. Teams with six wins automatically receive state playoff berths and many teams with five wins also qualify.
The Wildcats must get by Oak Park, which has an overall record of 4-2 in the OAA White and 5-2 overall, in a game that starts at 6 p.m. Friday at Oak Park. The Cats then must win its crossover match the following week to finish the regular season with five wins.
Oxford looked strong against Lathrup, scoring early and often.
The Wildcats put the first seven points up 1:12 into the game on a three yard TD run by Ben Line.
Quarterback Glacier Wallington connected on two passes covering 69 yards to Mitch Tilley to set up the score.
Wes Maskill added another TD in the quarter, coming on a 20-yard run. The Wildcats added a third TD in the second quarter on a four yard run. Aaron Johnston added the third of his seven conversions kicks for the game and Oxford was ahead 21-0 less than two minutes into the second quarter.
The Chargers scored with 5:24 left in the second quarter but Oxford answered with two more scores before halftime to take a 35-7 lead.
Line added one of the scores on a four yard run and Maskill ripped off a 24-yard scamper with 1:23 left before halftime.
Oxford scored quickly in the third quarter on another three yard TD by Line. Anthony Chavez-Moore had a 12-yard run with 8:34 left in the third quarter.
Lathrup added its second TD with 1:13 left in the game to finish the scoring.
Oxford had 204 rushing yards and 96 passing. Maskill led all runners with 122 yards on only eight carries. Wallington had three rushes for 40 yards.
Line, John Patrick, Chris Lavender, Luke Champion and Kyle Reason led Oxford’s defense.