Football | 10/18/2023 7:29:00 AM
In a thrilling and hard-fought high school football matchup, the 7-0 Oak Park High School Northmen traveled north to face 6-1 St. Joe Central Indians, showcasing an action-packed game that had fans on the edge of their seats. While both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, the Northmen emerged as the victors in a narrow 44-43 margin to keep their record unblemished, and secured the #1 Seed in the MSHSAA Class 6 District 8 Playoff which will begin week 10.
The first quarter set the tone for the game, with the Indians scoring first with an 11-yard pass, gaining an early 7-0 lead. However, the Northmen quickly responded with a 19-yard run by '25 #1
Travon Pankey, bringing the score to an even 7-7.
Moving into the second quarter, Oak Park High School showed their offensive prowess with '24 #2
Aiden Hinkle's 11-yard run, followed by a successful kick by '24 #17
Matthew Solorio, pushing them ahead 14-7. The Indians fought back, managing a 5-yard run with a successful two-point conversion, taking a slim 15-14 lead into halftime.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with '25 #1
Travon Pankey's impressive 26-yard run and a completed two-point conversion, giving Oak Park a 22-15 lead. St. Joe Central swiftly countered with a 14-yard run, leveling the playing field at 22-22. However, '24 #7
Evan Braxton's remarkable 35-yard run, along with Solorio's successful kick, propelled Oak Park back into the lead at 29-22. The Indians once again answered with a 45-yard run and successful kick, tying the game at 29-29. The Northmen defense fought hard, with '24 #9
Churchill Coates catching an interception.
Entering the decisive fourth quarter, St. Joe Central managed to seize control, scoring twice with 7-yard runs and successful kicks, pushing the score to 43-29. Undeterred, the Northmen fought back valiantly with less than 6 minutes to go, as Pankey orchestrated a 9-yard run and Braxton executed a two-point conversion, bringing the score to 37-43.
With the game hanging in the balance, #7 Braxton showcased his prowess with another exceptional 35-yard run, while #17 Solorio's clutch kick narrowed the gap to a single point at 44-43. The Northmen's determination and resilience ultimately shined through, securing a hard-fought victory in this intense matchup. With a minute left on the clock, Central regained possession, but the Northmen knew something had to be done. '25 #11
Gidion Gakmar found his stride and caught an interception, giving the Northmen control of the field again; securing their victory.
In the end, Oak Park High School emerged victorious, demonstrating their mettle and resilience on the field and moved the team to 8-0 heading into the final week of the regular season. The team and their fans celebrated a well-earned victory, showcasing their pride and spirit for the game of football.
The Northmen will host (5-3) Fort Osage on Friday October 20th for the Conference Championship, Kick-off is set for 7:05pm. Broadcast will be provided by N2Sports as well as Spectrum Sports on Time Warner Cable channels.
