Oak Hall defeats P.K. Yonge

During their Senior Night and homecoming game Friday, the Oak Hall Eagles defeated P.K. Yonge, 20-8.

Early Turnovers

The Eagles, who scored more than 52 points in each of their last four games, began the game with the ball. After crossing the 50-yard line, P.K. Yonge (3-4) brought pressure on a fourth down, forcing an Oak Hall fumble.

However, it only took P.K. Yonge a couple plays to return the ball to Oak Hall (7-0), with Eagles linebacker Sirderick Farley forcing another fumble at the Oak Hall 44-yard line.

Staying on theme, Oak Hall proceed to fumble the ball for a second time when quarterback Dakota Brower was sacked quickly on the Eagles’ second drive.

After a few drives that included a Briggs Copeland interception but no points, P.K. Yonge began to gain ground.

The Blue Wave only took a few plays to get within the Oak Hall 10-yard line. With first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, quarterback Lawrence Wright Jr. took a draw into the end zone. After a successful two-point conversion, P.K. Yonge held a 8-0 lead going into the half.

Halftime Adjustments

Going into the half trailing for the first time this year, Oak Hall needed to make changes.

Coach RJ Fuhr said the Eagles made adjustments on both sides of the ball during intermission.

Oak Hall Offensive Outburst

Oak Hall got into its groove early in the third quarter. After forcing a quick P.K. Yonge three-and-out, Brower stood around the 50-yard line awaiting the punt. Seconds later, he returned the ball for a touchdown. The game was now 8-6 after an unsuccessful two-point attempt.

Oak Hall proceeded to force another punt and took an 11-play drive into the end zone, with Abram Jerkins rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. The Eagles, again, were unable to complete the two-point conversion, keeping the game within PKY’s reach at 12-8.

With only a few minute remaining in the game, P.K. Yonge got the ball back at its own 20-yard line. On the second play of the drive, Brower recovered a game-defining fumble, putting Oak Hall within the red zone.

After a few plays, Jerkins rushed in for a 2-yard touchdown, sealing the game at 20-8.

@OakHallFootball wins it 20-8.
The undefeated season stays alive. pic.twitter.com/8xPPT82ZIT

— Alexander Vafeas (@AlexanderVafeas) October 14, 2023

Postgame Thoughts

After a successful comeback, Brower, Oak Hall’s do-it-all junior, acknowledged the differences between the first and second halves. He noted the Eagles were “getting to the red zone” in the first half, “but not capitalizing.”

He believes the adjustments at halftime allowed the Eagles to be productive when near the end zone in the second half.

Brower said his team was motivated to come back because of the senior festivities Friday night.

“We’re not letting our seniors go out on a loss.”

What’s Next

Oak Hall looks to finish its regular season undefeated Friday at Master’s Academy (5-2) in Oviedo.