The Buchholz Bobcats could not stop the run against Orange Park Oakleaf, losing 35-14 at Citizen’s Field on Thursday night.
The Bobcats drop to a 3-4 record on the year (1-1 in district play). Oakleaf on the other hand is enjoying a historic season, improving to 8-0 this season.
Buchholz was down 21-14 towards the end of the third quarter when quarterback Jackson White hit wide receiver Wesley Brandenberg in the red zone just short of the goal line. Brandenberg made the reception but fumbled the ball out of the end zone – resulting in a turnover. Oakleaf would go on to score on the ensuing drive, ultimately scoring the game’s final 28 points.
“Whenever you lose, obviously you have to take away something,” said Buchholz head coach Mark Whittemore. “What we chose to take away from it is the fact that we were on the cusp on being tied up at the end of the third quarter.”
The Bobcats had trouble stopping the run all night long. Four of Oakleaf’s five touchdowns came on rushing carries. The Knights racked up over 200 rushing yards in the second half alone.
From here, Buchholz will face another district opponent next week when they take on the Fletcher Senators.
“We got to be very aware of the fact physicality up front is something we got to get done next Friday,” Whittemore added. “We can’t allow Fletcher to push us around.”
Elsewhere in high school football on Thursday, Ocala Trinity Catholic whips PK Yonge 49-0, Trenton beats Hawthorne 51-6 and Leesburg First Academy crushes St. Francis 56-10. In games tonight…
** The Union County Fightin’ Tigers (4-2, 0-1) will look to get their first district win against the Newberry Panthers (4-3, 2-0).
“If we come out and we play and we don’t beat ourselves, I like our chances,” said Union County head coach Ronny Pruitt. “At the same time, if we come out, have a slow start and let them get up on us it could be a bad night for us.”
Kickoff from Newberry is set for 7:30 p.m.
** The Gainesville Hurricanes (3-3, 2-0) have a district matchup against the Vanguard Knights (2-3, 0-1). Kickoff from Citizen’s Field is set for 7:30 p.m.
** The Eastside Rams (1-5, 1-2) will travel to take on the Crystal River Pirates (1-5, 0-3). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
** The Santa Fe Raiders (4-2, 1-2) hope to continue their successes against the Belleview Rattlers (1-5, 0-3). Kickoff from Santa Fe is set for 7:30 p.m.
** The Chiefland Indians (3-4, 0-1) will host the Williston Red Devils (1-5, 0-2). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
** The Suwannee Bulldogs (6-0, 4-0) hope to remain undefeated when they travel to take on the Dunnellon Tigers (5-2, 3-1). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
For audio from the above quotes, click below:
Buchholz head coach Mark Whittemore says their third quarter fumble killed their momentum
Whittemore says the team needs to be more physical at the line of scrimmage
Union County head coach Ronny Pruitt says his team has to come off focused against Newberry