Oak Grove’s plan for the season opener against Wayne County was simple - have a fast start.
And the Warriors couldn’t have executed it any better in their 49-0 season-opening victory.
Part of the reason for the urgency was that in last year’s game against the War Eagles, Oak Grove needed a 51-yard field goal as time expired to beat Wayne County 26-23. And so, with higher expectations surrounding this year’s Oak Grove team, the Warriors’ had hoped to assert an early dominance.
“Last year, when we played those guys, we played just about as bad as I think we could have played all night,” Oak Grove coach Drew Causey said. “We never got anything going. So our focus all week was starting fast and doing what we did, just playing physical and fast.”
The Warrior defense quickly forced a three and out with the drive ending with Talan Watts sacking Wayne County’s quarterback to set up fourth and 28. Then, on Oak Grove’s first offensive play, quarterback AJ Maddox connected with Damari Jefferson for a 33-yard touchdown.
“We had it dialed up all week,” Maddox said. “It was against zone coverage. I saw the look I wanted. I knew my receiver was going to win. The corner kind of bailed, but I trusted my guy. We worked so much in the offseason. I just know where they are going to be.
“We came out today with high energy. The coaches had a great game plan. I trusted my teammates. Everything came together, defensively and offensive. Everything was rolling. It was fun tonight.”
For Wayne County, the 49-point loss is the largest margin of defeat in the school’s history.
Oak Grove dominated every phase of the game as the defense forced five turnovers and kicker Luke Stewart, who was the hero in last year’s game, kicked seven touchbacks in eight different attempts, leading to a 42-0 lead at the half.
“Luke is a weapon,” Causey said. “I think when he puts it in the end zone, and someone has to drive 80 yards, that’s hard. It’s hard for us to drive 80 yards, especially in high school. You are definitely going to make mistakes.”
Oak Grove’s only bump in the night was its second drive after Maddox took a late hit on the sidelines, forcing the Warriors to throw in their backup quarterback and punt the ball. However, Stewart’s punt went 52 yards and was downed at the 1-yard line. On the Warriors’ next drive, Oak Grove scored again on a 5-yard touchdown run from Jamar Pittman.
“Shoutout to Wayne County; they are a heck of a football team, but we came out with high energy,” Maddox said. “We faced a lot of adversity last year, so we knew how to battle it out. We came out sharp today.”
Just before the end of the first drive, Oak Grove’s defensive tackle Caleb Moore knocked the ball out, with Alandez Blaylock picking up the ball and scoring to push the lead to 21-0.
The Warrior defense stayed active, with Chase Pinkston coming down with an interception and setting up a 34-yard touchdown pass by Maddox to Nehemiah Taylor. Maddox finished the game 5-for-6 and tossed for 112 yards and two touchdowns, while the Warrior defense held Wayne County to 63 yards in the first half.
Oak Grove’s scoring frenzy continued in the second quarter with running back Kylin Champagne scoring on a 5-yard touchdown run and then PJ Woodland scoring on a pick-six before halftime.
The Warriors then started their backup players in the second half. Jaylen Moore finished Oak Grove’s scoring after reaching the endzone on a 72-yard scoop and score.
Oak Grove will now prepare to play Hoover High School, which has won 11 state titles in Alabama since 2000.
“The opportunity came up to play those guys, and we kind of jumped all over it,” Causey said. “I think it’s the first time in school that we have traveled out of state to play a game.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I know they have a great program historically. They are nationally known.”
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