OR Wildcats hold off Rhea County
Face McMinn County in second round of 5A playoffs
The goal in postseason high school football is to survive and advance, and Oak Ridge did just enough to move forward Friday night against a familiar playoff rival.
The Wildcats edged Rhea County 7-6 in a defensive struggle at Blankenship Field in the opening round of the TSSAA Class 5A playoffs.
“It’s playoff football, and it doesn’t matter if you win 50-49 or 7-6, as long as you win,” Oak Ridge Coach Derek Rang said.
The victory improved the Wildcats’ record to 7-4. The Golden Eagles ended their season at 5-5.
Friday marked the fifth postseason meeting between Oak Ridge and Rhea County since 2014. The teams remained in a scoreless tie late into the fourth quarter, with both defenses dominating.
Oak Ridge’s Tyree Porter intercepted Rhea County quarterback Caleb Carr twice, while Wildcats quarterback Blaine Stansberry also threw two interceptions. Oak Ridge lost an early fumble as well.
“Our defense was exceptional all night,” Rang said. “We squandered some chances to get a lead before halftime, and Rhea County squandered some opportunities to take the lead in the second half.”
Special teams played a crucial role for Oak Ridge, as Dallas Frendt blocked a punt, and the Wildcats also blocked a Rhea County field-goal attempt.
Offensively, Oak Ridge struggled for much of the game, gaining only 79 yards from scrimmage in the first half.
Running back Damilyan Porter, who had been ill and missed practice, had a quiet first half, but found his rhythm after halftime.
Porter scored the Wildcats’ only touchdown on a 34-yard catch from Stansberry with 6:34 left in the game.
Eli Pearson’s extra point put Oak Ridge up 7-0.
Porter’s key runs and a crucial reception on a screen pass helped set up the score.
Rhea County responded with a touchdown when Carr connected with Chauncey Odum, cutting the deficit to 7-6 with under five minutes remaining. But a botched snap on the PAT attempt forced the Golden Eagles to try for a two-point conversion, which failed.
Oak Ridge will face another familiar foe in the second round, hosting McMinn County. The Wildcats previously defeated the Cherokees 31-6 on Sept. 20 at home, following a controversial loss to McMinn County in Athens in 2023. The Cherokees advanced with a 48-14 win over Clinton.
