Wildcats’ early surge powers 31-6 victory over McMinn County
Oak Ridge Wildcats Wayne Gibson (4), JT Gormly (38) and Qhyvez Wlliams (10) bring down the opposing quarterback in last Friday night’s game against McMinn County at Blankenship Field. The Wildcats won the contest 31-6. (photo:Barry Houchin )
The Wildcats used a fast start to rout McMinn County 31-6 on Friday night at Blankenship Field. Oak Ridge took control early, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter, and didn’t waste any time dominating the contest.
They took a 7-0 lead with 10:35 remaining in the opening frame as Blaine Stansberry connected with Will Pressley on a 66-yard touchdown pass.
Eli Pearson added the extra point, and Oak Ridge was off running.
Oak Ridge (2-2) extended its lead shortly after a turnover by the Cherokees. Following an interception, Damillyan Porter made it 14-0 later in the first quarter with a touchdown run. He added a 1-yard scoring plunge early in the second quarter to push the score to 21-0.
Oak Ridge Coach Derek Rang was pleased to see his team start fast and force the Cherokees (2-4) into two turnovers.
“It was huge,” Rang said of Oak Ridge’s quick start. “Whenever you get that first win, whenever it is, you can start building momentum off that.
“I was talking to the players in the locker room before the game and told them that we hadn’t gotten a turnover all year,” the coach said. “Tonight, we scored first, then we got a turnover, then we got another one, and we scored again.”
Stansberry finished 7-for-9 through the air with 202 passing yards and two touchdown passes.
Porter was the Wildcats’ leading rusher, finishing with 29 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries.
Pearson closed out the scoring for Oak Ridge with a field goal to make it 31-0 with 5:31 left in the third quarter. The Cherokees scored a late touchdown in the final minute of the contest.
Oak Ridge continues its four-game homestand as it hosts Clinton in a region matchup next.
The Dragons (2-3) and Wildcats both won their respective region openers on Sept. 13. Clinton defeated Campbell County, while Oak Ridge shut out Karns 35-0. Clinton dropped a 38-8 decision to Powell last week.
The Dragons and Wildcats played twice last season, with Oak Ridge winning the regular-season meeting in Clinton.
The Dragons won the second-round Class 5A playoff matchup, 24-21, overcoming a halftime deficit at Blankenship Field.