Oxford High Rallies to Complete Overtime Comeback Win
Attending a thrilling game is a must on every fan’s sports bucket list, no matter what sport or level of play. The nail biting of spectators, last minute decisions by coaches and efficiency of players create a tense atmosphere. Fans of the Oxford High Yellow Jackets (9-1) and Central Phenix City Red Devils (6-4) were recipients of one of those games on Friday night. The game had a combination of all the elements that make a riveting game, an improbable comeback, overtime, and a late penalty that gave Oxford a second chance.
The defending AHSAA Class 6A champion Yellow Jackets quickly found themselves in a 21-3 hole to the Class 7A Red Devils after a fumble returned 15-yards for a touchdown by T.J. Parker.
Trey Higgins, Oxford’s senior quarterback, and Mississippi State baseball commit, didn’t panic. Instead, he passed for 200 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 55 yards to help put the No. 1 team up by three. First element of a thrilling game? Check.
With 23.5 seconds to go in the game, Central’s Noah Pell hit a 24-yard field goal to pull the contest into a tie and head to overtime. Second element of a thrilling game? Check.
The Red Devils had the ball first in overtime, and capitalized with a Joseph McKay touchdown to go ahead 31-24.
After the Yellow Jackets failed to convert on fourth down, it seemed as though the Red Devils had snatched away a victory by staving off quite the comeback. That is, until the players noticed a bright yellow piece of fabric on the turf.
Central had been flagged for roughing the passer, and Oxford was awarded the first down and another chance to score.
Higgins and the Yellow Jackets answered with a touchdown pass to Camden Etheredge to bring the score to 31-30. Oxford head coach, Keith Etheredge, elected to go for the 2-point conversion, and the win.
On the attempt, Higgins hit Warren Britt for the completion.
The Yellow Jackets triumphed over the Red Devils in overtime, 32-31.
Thrilling game? Complete.
Written by: Reagan Cofield
