Late-Game Heroics Keep Oak Hall Undefeated
Down by one point on its own 24-yard line with two minutes left, Oak Hall needed a miracle to keep its undefeated season alive Friday night. It had been two years since the Eagles had a 4-0 start to their season, and this team was hungry for more.
After a game full of penalties and turnovers, most fans gave up hope, but coach RJ Fuhr never lost faith in his players. Late heroics by senior quarterback Aaron Akins and junior running back BJ Johnson boosted the Eagles to an electric 21-20 win against the Branford Buccaneers (2-2) at Oak Hall Stadium.
“I knew Branford was going to be a huge test. … But, I just could not be more proud of this team,” Fuhr said.
The Oak Hall defense also proved key in denying Branford on a two-point conversion attempt after scoring on a pass to bring the score to 21-20 with a minute left in the game.
After back-to-back away games, the Eagles (4-0) finally returned home and bolstered camouflage uniforms in an anticipated Camo Night matchup against Branford. The student section was packed with Oak Hall students all showing out in camouflage to support their Eagles; the anticipation before this game was boiling.
Oak Hall’s defense started strong, stalling the Buccaneers’ drive in a three-and-out. In their first offensive drive, the Eagles drove down the field on their first drive and scored on Akins’ burst from the 2-yard line.
However, the Buccaneers responded with a touchdown tie the score, 7-7.
Touchdown Oak Hall! At 6:21, Aaron Akins finds the end zone. Extra point by number 54, Noah Poniatowski, is good, Eagles on the board first. pic.twitter.com/2XeVM6K2z7
— Jisel Nuevo (@JiselNuevo) September 12, 2025
The Eagles relied on their rushing game, as they combined for 196 yards on the ground on 47 carries, with 74 of those yards from freshman running back Jeremiah Taylor, who exploded for a 24-yard touchdown to make it a 13-7 game.
The Eagles defense failed to stop the Buccaneers who stormed down the field to take a 14-13 lead into the half.
Both offenses stalled in the third and most of the fourth quarters. Akins suffered two interceptions that seemed to bury Oak Hall and its undefeated season. As all hope seemed lost, Akins connected with Johnson on a 77-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion gave the Eagles a 21-14 lead.
In the 4th quarter with 2:13 left, Oak Hall’s BJ Johnson hauls in a pass at midfield, breaks free, and takes it all the way for the touchdown! Extra point is good, Eagles out front 21–14. pic.twitter.com/Gm1JPLUrJL
— Jisel Nuevo (@JiselNuevo) September 13, 2025
Fuhr was emotional after the close outcome.
“We’re not the biggest team out there, we’re a small school … but these kids give it everything they have, and I wouldn’t trade them for anybody,” he said.
Friday’s win marked Oak Hall’s biggest challenge so far and it delivered.
The Eagles are in a bye week and will be back in action against city rival P.K. Yonge (0-3) on Sept. 26 at Oak Hall Stadium
Category: Football, High School Sports, Oak Hall High School
