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Oak Hill looks to get revenge against Lamar |
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Friday, 06 November 2009 |
By Kenneth Mister
Daily Times Leader
When the Oak Hill Raiders football team lost to Lamar 63-7 on Oct. 2, the Raiders still had four additional games to solidify a spot in the postseason. Oak Hill, who defeated Manchester the following week to acquire a playoff birth, don't have that luxury this go around.
If Oak Hill (3-8) loses to Lamar tonight in the first round of the playoffs, their 2009 season is over.
Oak Hill head coach Leroy Gregg, however, said despite having to play a top-tier team like Lamar, the Raiders are glad to be in this position.
"We're still playing," he said. "That's the first thing that went through my mind. This time last year, our season was over and this year we have another game."
In order to steal a victory, the Raiders will have to find a way to contain highly-touted Lamar quarterback Witt Haggard. Haggard threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns in their first matchup, all coming in the first half. Lamar also ran for 218 yards.
Oak Hill, nonetheless, knows what's ahead and won't lay down without a fight, Gregg said.
"If you play that game on paper, we don't have a chance," he said. "But when you put the kids out there Friday night, it's their kids against our kids. The ballgame's 48 minutes. We'll see what happens."
Oak Hill players are just as confident in their abilities.
"It's going to be a hard game," senior lineman David Matusiak said. "Last time they beat us pretty bad, but I think we're motivated to make it a close game."
Last time around, Lamar (9-1) scored two defensive touchdowns and created countless problems for the Raiders offense.
The earlier 56-point loss, however, served as a primary learning tool, Gregg said.
"We can't turn the ball over (tonight)," he said. "We had five turnovers and four led to touchdowns (last time). So, we can't turn the ball over because they'll take advantage of it."
Simpson Academy took advantage of Lamar's lackluster defense on Oct. 23 when the Cougars walloped Lamar 48-21 and became the first team to defeat the Raiders in 2009. Simpson didn't throw a pass throughout the entire game.
Oak Hill has seen video from the game and knows what they have to do get the upset.
"Their defense has been somewhat suspect by team's that can run the football," he said. "For us to be successful, we're going to have to be able to exploit that part of their defense."
If Oak Hill is unable to come away with a victory, it will mark the end of road for Oak Hill seniors. Despite a rough start to the season, Gregg said he is proud of his group of upperclassmen.
"Leadership wise, we got off to a slow start," he said. "That has improved over the last five or six games tremendously. They have certainly improved in that aspect of what a senior's job description is."
Oak Hill, whose roster includes 13 seniors, has a bright future despite the loss of key players such as Jake Orman, Cameron Ellis, Davis Clayton, Sam Rice and David Pryor.
"We have a pretty good tenth grade group and a good ninth grade group," he said. "We'll be a year stronger and a year older. I think we'll be just fine next year."
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Win,win,win,see you in Jackson Ms, for the playoff. - Rev Nudennie Moore
GO BIG GREENWAVES! LETS BRING HOME THE CHAMPIONSHIP. - Anthony Tallie
I wish u guys the best season - Joshua Lee Go green waves and win, win, and win. - Rev Joe Smith GOOD LUCK WEST POINT SWIM TEAM!!! I hope yall have a great
season this year! Even though I'm not there, I'm cheering ya'll on up here! - Brandon Berry Go Green Wave! Keep up the good work. - Robin Birmingham C/O '96
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