On a brisk yet beautiful Friday night, a gorgeous sunset lit up the sky, spectators and students alike filled the stands with their purple and yellow face paint and brightly colored outfits leftover from spirit week. Then the game began, and with tensions high, we finally faced off against O-High, our archrivals.
In the first quarter –bang! Standout running back Caleb Rollins pushed the ball into the endzone to give Tech an early lead. Shortly after, Tech stopped the Wildcats with a tough redzone stand forcing Oakland High to kick a field goal, which they missed!
Overall the first half was a doozy. While both the Bulldogs and Wildcats had impressive punt returns, setting their teams up with favorable field position, both teams ultimately struggled to get their offenses going as they were mired with silly penalties.
Halftime started, the night started to get colder as the Oakland tech cheerleaders put on yet another amazing halftime show. Our mascot, the bulldog, had an intense standoff with the O-High wildcats mascot. This brought on intense energy throughout the crowd entering the 2nd half of the game.
The second half of the game was a huge upset for both teams! Leading into many OT chants from the loud colorful crowd.
In the third quarter, Tech commanded a 14-0 lead after another 15 yard running touchdown by Caleb Rollins, but O-High’s attack would come alive in the fourth quarter and threaten Tech’s grip on the game. The game ultimately came down to Oakland High’s prestigious passing versus Oakland Tech’s strong, responsive running back.
O-High’s comeback in the fourth quarter, was charged by a successful onside kick and ensuing 40 yard touchdown toss that tied the game up at 14. O-high radiated positive energy as they were beginning to dream of coming out of the game with a win.
With concerns they may squander a lead they kept for most of the game starting to arise, Oakland Tech’s interception in the late fourth quarter turned fortunes back around. Shortly after, Rollins capped off a fantastic night scoring his third rushing touchdown with only a minute left on the clock and sealing the victory for Tech. The bright scoreboard sparkled Oakland Tech’s glorious homecoming victory against O-High: 21-14.
The star of the night Rollins has been playing football for three years so he’s no stranger to competition and battles.
“ Not worried about the game, confident in myself and the team.” Caleb said, “ We the best in OAL, go Tech!”