Late Field Goal Lifts Oscar Smith To Title Game
The Oakton Defense played incredible on Saturday, but in the end, Oscar Smith made just enough plays to pull out a 10-7 win. The Tigers will play Osbourn next week in the state championship game...
Photos by Jeff Schryver / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
Oakton WR Jay Young goes high for a catch during Oakton's loss to Oscar Smith Saturday...
Photos by Jeff Schryver / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
Oscar Smith PK Ryan Trotman boots the eventual game winning field goal, late in the Oscar Smith victory over Oakton Saturday.
Photos by Jeff Schryver / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
VIENNA, VA - The Oscar Smith Tigers narrowly defeated the hometown Oakton Cougars, 10-7, in the Division 6 state semifinals. With 1:27 remaining in the game Ryan Trotman kicked the deciding 24-yard field goal ending the Cougars run for a state title. Oscar Smith achieved one of their goals after losing in the semis to Westfield last year. They advance to Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA to face Osbourn for the state championship next Saturday to attempt to achieve their final goal. The showdown between undefeated champions was a hard nose affair the entire game.
Concorde district offensive player of the year, Chris Coyer, suffered an apparent neck injury after scrambling for 17 yards and colliding with Tigers linebacker Raysean Richardson on their second offensive possession of the game. The game became secondary as both teams and fans sat in silence watching Coyer being taken by ambulance to the local hospital. After waiting for nearly 40 minutes the Cougars took the field with team captain Ryan Harris now handling the quarterback duties.
Both defenses set the tempo for the entire game as the scoreboard remained empty until late in the second quarter. Harris led the Cougars down the field going 3 for 3 on the drive delivering a 22-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jay Young for a 7-0 lead with 2:49 remaining and the lead ending the first half.
After sputtering on their opening drive the Tigers high-powered offense finally rang up the scoreboard. Quarterback Phillip Sims connected with receiver Tim Smith as the outstanding duo were good for 69 yards through the air and a first and goal. Sims quickly reconnected with Smith for a touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 with 4:37 remaining in the third quarter. The Oakton offense drove past the 50-yard line on the ensuing possession but was forced to punt by the stout Tigers defense.
As the minutes ran off the clock and the defenses continued to dominate the Cougars almost got the break they needed. With Oscar Smith backed up near their goal line defensive back Andrew Leonard nearly picked off Sims at the 18-yard line. After forcing the Tigers offense to punt, Trey Watts returned the ball to the Oscar Smith 44 yard-line and great field position with 5:00 remaining in the game. After leading the team to the 31-yard line, Watts fumbled after a crushing hit from defensive-end Jamara Gray. The Tigers offense capitalized from the mistake as Sims and Smith delivered again with a 47-yard reception in double coverage. That play set up the winning field goal by Trotman with 1:27 remaining in the contest. The Cougars took the field and attempted a last second drive only to fall short a turn the ball over on downs. Oscar Smith faces the cinderella Osbourn Eagles for the state title next Saturday in Blacksburg, Virginia.
