Oak Grove (CA) vs. Overtown (FL)

‘OAK GROVE HOLDS OFF OVERTOWN'

Entering half time knotted at 0-0, the stage was set for a magnificent second half of this Division I semi-final match up between the Oak Grove Eagles and the Overtown Rattlers. As the teams came out for the second half, one could sense that something special was about to take place.

The Rattler defense maintained the shutout until 6:11 in the third when, helped by a couple of key blocks, the Oak Grove tailback took a pitch sweep around the right end for a 63 yard touch down, breaking the deadlock. The two point PAT soared through the uprights and Overtown suddenly found themselves down 8-0.

The Rattlers began the ensuing possession on their own 16 yard line and faced the daunting task of having to drive 86 yards against a defense that had held them scoreless the entire first half. They did not lose heart; however, and immediately went to work.

The drive showed early promise when the Rattlers completed a 30 yard pass on a critical third and three with 4:00 remaining in the third. Facing third and seven from their own 45, the Rattlers went to the air and were rewarded for their efforts as the Eagles were called for a pass interference penalty. The Rattlers now found themselves on the Eagles side of the 50 and were set up with a first and ten from the Eagles 45.

The following play, the Eagles defensive line brought the pressure and had the Rattlers QB in their grasp. As he would for much of the remainder of the game, he escaped; however, picking up 15 yards. The Rattlers took advantage of the momentum and continued to march down field. The drive stalled on the Eagles 16; however, as the Rattlers fell two yards shy on a fourth and seven.

The Eagles took control of the ball and immediately started a drive of their own. The Eagles QB showed that he too could move the ball, ripping off runs of 5, 12 and eight yards. Now, facing a third and eight from their own 40, the Eagles took the ball right, picked up a couple of key blocks and gained twenty yards, advancing the ball to the Rattler 40 with 7:48 remaining in the game.

A few plays later, after the Eagle offense had picked up some nice yardage, the Rattler defense stiffened, and the Eagles found themselves facing a critical fourth and six from the Rattler 19. Deciding to stay with the ground attack, the Eagle running back could not find any room up the middle, and was caught in the back field for a five yard loss.

The Rattlers now had another chance to tie it up, but time was running out with only 5:01 remaining in the game. Facing a third and three from their own forty, the Rattlers picked up the first, but were unable to cross the 50. Operating out of the shotgun, the Rattler QB once again went to work. On the ensuing three plays, he escaped pressure and brought the ball to the Eagle 9 yard line. After unsuccessful runs, the Rattlers faced a crucial third and goal. Dropping back to pass, the Rattle QB found an open receiver over the middle and put the ball in the end zone. Now down 8-6, the Rattlers set up for the game tying two point conversion. The Eagles defense broke through the line; however, and blocked the kick, keeping the score 8-6.

With less then three minutes left in the game, the Eagle offensive line opened up a gapping hole, and their running back went up the middle, breaking free and scoring on a 45 yard touch down scamper.

With the game seemingly over, the Rattlers would get the ball back and wouldn't give up. Showing incredible poise, the Rattler QB put a couple of deep balls on target, but the Eagle defense came up big, stopping two potential 65 yard touch down passes.

In the end, time ran out on the Rattlers and the Eagles would hold on for the 16-6 victory.