Wildcats roll over Karns 35-0 Stansberry leads with four touchdowns
OR quarterback Blaine Stansberry was responsible for 4 touchdowns in the Wild- cats win over Karns.
Playing their first game at home in the friendly confines of Blankenship Field, the Wildcats opened their Region 3-5A schedule with a 35-0 victory over Karns on Friday night, beginning the defense of their 2024 league title.
The game was over early, as Oak Ridge jumped out to a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, and added 21 points in the second quarter to take a commanding 35-0 lead. The TSSAA mercy rule was invoked in the third quarter, and the second half was played with a running clock.
Junior quarterback Blaine Stansberry responded to a challenge from ORHS second-year Head Coach Derek Rang, turning in his best game of the season. He accounted for four of the Wildcats’ five touchdowns against the Beavers (2-2 overall, 0-1 in the region).
“We kind of challenged him a little bit to pick his play up,” Rang said of Stansberry. “I think he would agree that he can do better, and he did better.”
Stansberry completed 7 of 12 passes for 198 yards, and threw three touchdown passes. He also had a scoring run, and Rang liked what he saw.
“That’s how you respond,” Rang said. “He’s just got to get in the rhythm, the rhythm of playing football, practicing every day, and having good practice habits.
“As far as that position goes, there’s so much rhythm involved, and it was big to see him get back into that rhythm in the first half.”
Despite the short outing, Stansberry spread the ball around effectively. Junior wide receiver Will Pressley had three receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore tight end Malik Howard caught three passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Damillyan Porter added a 39-yard reception.
Porter also led the Wildcats on the ground, rushing eight times for 62 yards and a touchdown. Jermichael Howard added 29 yards on six carries.
By the end of the night, Oak Ridge had racked up 402 yards of total offense. The Wildcats’ defense was equally impressive, allowing Karns just 71 yards.
Rang said the fast start was crucial for his team.
“We started the game out hot and played with good intensity,” he said. “The second half went by quickly, but it was a big night for us and this team.”
Next up for the Wildcats: Oak Ridge will host McMinn County on Friday at 7 p.m. The Cherokees enter the contest with a 2-3 overall record, coming off a 29-28 loss to East Hamilton last week.