WALES – The Leavitt Hornets completed one of the best regular seasons in recent years on Saturday with a hard-fought 19-7 football victory of arch-rival Oak Hill.
The Hornets used their trademark bend-but-don’t-break defense and were able to hold off the stubborn Raiders. Oak Hill was able to march deep into Leavitt territory on two occasions before being stopped by turnovers on key Leavitt defensive plays.
Leavitt (7-1) took control of the game early. On just their second possession of the game, the Hornets found the end zone. Senior quarterback Tyler Angell bulled in from the 1-yard line to give Leavitt a quick 7-0 lead.
Oak Hill came right back at the Hornets, driving the ball to Leavitt’s 9-yard line. Then on third down Leavitt linebacker Mike Austin stepped in front of a Josh Jillson pass at about the two to stop the Raiders’ momentum.
“We had two turnovers inside the ten yard line,” said Oak Hill coach Bruce Nicholas, “We need to find ways to convert those into touchdowns”.
Leavitt scored again early in the second quarter. Needing only six plays to cover 69 yards, the Hornets were able to build on their lead. The key play on the drive was a 42-yard scamper by running back Chris Brewer. Once again Angell rushed in from six yards out to give Leavitt a 13-0 advantage at halftime.
“We we’re able to put a couple scores on the board early,” said Leavitt coach Mike Hathaway.
Leavitt score on its first set of downs in the third quarter.
This time Corey Witham rushed in from 10 yards out a Leaviit jumped out a 19-0 lead early in the third quarter.
Oak Hill mounted a comeback on there next set of downs. Taking over at midfield, the Raiders marched down the field behind the running of Zac Eaton. Eight plays later, Jillson rushed in from one yard out and the Raiders were on the board.
On the ensuing kickoff return, Oak Hill recovered a Leavitt fumble to get the ball right back.
Oak Hill marched all the way to the Leavitt 6-yard line before returning the favor and fumbling the ball back to Leavitt, ending any hopes of a comeback victory.
“Our defense made the plays today like they have all year,” said Hathaway.
Leavitt, ranked second in the latest Crabtree Point Standings, now faces a home-playoff game next week.
“It’s a new season,” said Hathaway, “We need to work hard and prepare like we have all year. It will be nice to play at home.”
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