The week one game between the Oglethorpe County Patriots, and the Social Circle Redskins was a nail biter. The two teams met Friday at Patriot Stadium in Lexington, and were prepared for a showdown.
The Social Circle Redskins received to begin the game. They marched right down the field, but were unable to put the ball in the end zone, and were forced to settle for a field goal.
Following the kickoff, the Oglethorpe County Patriots offense came out for their first possession of the ball game. After only a few plays, the Pats were forced to punt it away, however the Social Circle defense was able to block the punt and recover the ball at the Oglethorpe 10 yard line. The great field position lead to an easy score for the Redskin offense, and the PAT put them up 10-0.
Oglethorpe County got the ball back with around three minutes remaining in the quarter, and ran into some trouble when they fumbled the ball in their own territory. Luckily, they were able to avoid disaster by quickly recovering the ball with a minute to go. As time expired, Oglethorpe County quarterback, Hunter Hall, was able to connect with Justin Jackson to give the Pats a first down and goal heading into the second quarter.
On the first play of the quarter, Darius Heard was able to run the ball into the endzone from the three yard line for the Oglethorpe touchdown. The PAT was able to cut the deficit down to only three points, however Social Circle returned the kickoff for a touchdown which made the score 17-7.
Oglethorpe responded with a 95 yard kickoff return touchdown of their own. However, Oglethorpe was unable to make the point after, which kept the score at 17-13.
The game would be back and forth throughout the remainder of the quarter. Oglethorpe forced a punt, which gave them the ball back, and on the first play of the drive, Peyton Prince ran the ball 73 yards to the house which gave the Patriots a three point lead over the Redskins. Social Circle had to punt once again, but they were able to get the ball back on fourth down, and quickly take it in for the Redskin touchdown.
As the second quarter ended, the Social Circle Redskins took the 24-20 lead with them into the locker room.
Following the halftime break, the two teams returned to the field to start the second half. Oglethorpe received, but their drive would be cut short due to an interception. Social Circle was quickly able to add on to their lead with a 21 yard touchdown pass, which put them up 31-20.
Oglethorpe was quick to respond, as Jordan Johnson had his second kickoff return touchdown of the game, which was able to slim the deficit down. Oglethorpe then forced another punt, and Darius Heard was able to run it in for an 18 yard touchdown on the very next drive.
The Patriots would not keep the lead for long, however, as Social Circle had their second kickoff return touchdown of the night which put the up by four, to end the third quarter.
Heading into the last quarter of play, Social Circle held a tight lead of 38-34. However, Oglethorpe was able to take the lead once again following a two yard rushing touchdown by Darius Heard.
Social Circle ran into some troubles early in their next drive, however on third and fourteen, Social Circle was able to take it to then endzone on a 50 yard passing play. The PAT put social circle up 45-41.
The Patriots got the ball back, but were stopped while trying to convert on fourth and three which gave the Redskins the ball back. The Redskins were able to put up a field goal, and now lead it 48-41.
As time ticked away in the final quarter, the Patriots offense slowly marched down the field, while effectively managing their time. With just second lefts, and facing a second down at the Social Circle 13 yard line, Darius Heard rushed it in, for what appeared to be a touchdown, but fumbled after passing the goal line. In most cases, if the ball passes the goal line it is considered a touchdown, no matter what occurs. However, officials ruled that the ball did not cross the goal line, therefore it was a turnover. This call ended the game, and left many Patriots fans extremely frustrated, as the ball seemingly crossed the goal line. The game ended with a 48-41 score, and a Social Circle victory.
Despite the loss, the future seems bright. If Oglethorpe County can continue playing like they did against the Redskins, Patriot fans may be in for a great season. The team was full of momentum on offense, and the defense was able to make crucial stops.
The 0-1 Patriots are set to travel to Hall County to take on the 1-0 East Hall Vikings next Friday.
Thank you all so much for your dedication the blog, and I am super happy to be writing about football. Oglethorpe seems to be in for a great season, and I can't wait to continue updating you guys on the season. If you have suggestions or comments please feel free to contact us via the "contact" section of our website. Thank you all, and Go OC!
Comments