Oak Ridge Wildcats fall to Powell 35-7 after strong start
Oak Ridge’s Will Pressley reels in a pass during the Wildcats’ contest against Powell last Friday night. (photo:Barry Houchin )
The Wildcats scored first, but it was all downhill from there as they fell 35-7 at Scarbro Stadium, dropping to 0-2 on the season.
The Wildcats took an early lead when sophomore running back Damillyan Porter rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown late in the first quarter. Oak Ridge racked up 84 yards of total offense in the first 12 minutes, and it seemed like the highly anticipated game between two of East Tennessee’s most tradition-rich programs would be hotly contested. But the game quickly turned in Powell’s favor.
The Panthers (2-1) turned up the defensive pressure, holding Oak Ridge’s key offensive weapons in check. Junior quarterback Blaine Stansberry completed 9-of-13 passes for 81 yards, but struggled under constant pressure from Powell’s defensive front.
Junior wide receiver Will Pressley, a key target, was limited to four receptions for 26 yards.
After their productive first quarter, the Wildcats managed only 61 yards of total offense over the final three quarters, finishing with 145 total yards.
Oak Ridge gained 54 yards on the ground and just 86 yards through the air.
While Oak Ridge struggled offensively, Powell had no trouble moving the ball.
The Panthers scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, opening a 21-7 lead.
Running back Connor Wheeler had two 11-yard rushing touchdowns, and junior quarterback Deuce Rodgers added a one-yard touchdown on a quarterback sneak. Wheeler finished the game with 14 carries for 62 yards.
Powell continued to dominate in the second half. On the Panthers’ first possession of the third quarter, Wheeler converted a crucial fourth down with a six-yard gain, setting up Powell at the Oak Ridge 34-yard line.
Rodgers then connected with DeZion Jackson on a 13-yard touchdown pass, and Abu Keefer sealed the victory with a touchdown run.
Next up for Oak Ridge: The Wildcats will begin defense of their 2023 Region 3-5A championship as they host Karns in their home opener at Blankenship Field.
The Beavers, coming off a 35-14 loss to Gibbs, enter Friday night’s game with a 2-1 record, boasting victories over Hardin Valley Academy and William Blount.
Karns has already doubled its win total from last season.
