The Oak Hill Academy football team snapped a 12-game losing streak that dated back to the 2010 season Friday night in a season-opening 13-6 win at Newton County Academy.
Now, the Raiders want to start a winning streak.
Oak Hill Academy will play host to Winston Academy at 7 p.m. Friday in its Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AA, District 2 opener. In other Clay County action, Hebron Christian will travel to Victory Christian at 7 p.m. Friday.
Winston Academy (1-0) at Oak Hill Academy (1-0)
When Daniel Merchant took over as football coach at Oak Hill Academy, he knew the attitude had to change. The first step in changing that attitude was making his squad play more physical.
In week one, the Raiders accomplished that mission.
“Our defensive effort was great,” Merchant said. “We played a hard-nosed, physical game. All of the work during the offseason to get faster and stronger really paid off. One game does not make a season, but it can certainly help set the tone.
“The kids here are hungry. They have had their struggles. They want to have success. Winning gives you reinforcement you are doing things right.”
Oak Hill went 0-10 last season. Offensively, the Raiders averaged less than seven points per game. Defensively, opponents hit big plays and scored 35 or more points seven times.
In the season opener, that script was reversed. Oak Hill forced six turnovers and scored both of their touchdowns off those takeaways.
“We made some big plays on defense,” Merchant said. “We did a good job of rattling (Newton County’s) confidence. Field position was really big. Other than one play (a 90-yard touchdown pass by Newton County), the kids really responded to everything they saw.”
Oak Hill Academy made two first-half touchdowns stand up in the victory. Drake Riley had a 10-yard scoring run, while Curt Huffman caught at 28-yard touchdown pass from Conner Baird.
Defensively, Huffman had two interceptions, while Blake Henley and Matthew Gwathney had one apiece. Riley had two fumble recoveries.
“The challenge is to make sure the kids do not get too high because there is a lot of season left,” Merchant said. “However, they do deserve the moment and they need to enjoy winning. Winning a game is the best motivation for continuing to work hard and for continuing to get better each week.”
Bo Milton is in his first season at Winston Academy, which defeated Sylva-Bay Academy 36-7 last week.
Winston Academy beat Oak Hill Academy 41-6 last season.
Hebron Christian (1-0) at Victory Christian (0-1)
Hebron Christian also presented its new coach with a victory in its season opener.
Hebron Christian opened the David Foster era with a 20-6 victory against Strider Academy in an 11-man game in Pheba. This week, Hebron Christian will play an eight-man game against Victory Christian.
“Our defense was very good for a first game,” Foster said. “I thought we were aggressive and did a good job of attacking the football. On offense, we made some mistakes, but it was a first game. We have to do a better job of taking care of the basics — lining up right, taking the handoff correctly. We will get better each week.”
Taylor Coggins ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Coggins scored on runs of 25 and 17 yards. Austin Foster added 121 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown run.
“The attitude has been real good from beginning of practice,” Foster said. “They understand we have to work together to be successful. Our mental focus was good. We will get better at the physical details.”
Defensively, Troy Arnold, Foster, and Channing Tapley led the way. Quarterback Will Corbin Rogers also had a 22-yard interception return.
Victory Christian opened the season with a 68-42 loss at Clinton Christian Academy.
The teams didn’t play last season.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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