FARMINGTON ? Football fans who thought they were watching a football matchup between Oxford and North Farmington were treated to more of a track meet in the second half of a Wildcat victory.
Oxford won its first OAA White Division game of the year, 36-28, in a contest that provided fans with a thrilling second half and especially the fourth quarter when the Raiders scored 16 points and challenged Oxford to respond.
The Wildcats were able to survive the onslaught but Coach Bud Rowley said the team responded.
‘Wow, it was a track meet out there. It was up and down and all around like a Cedar Point rollercoaster ride,? Rowley said. ‘But the kids needed a win and they responded to the challenge.?
The Wildcats had 386 yards on offense while North Farmington had 403 yards.
The first half seemed to be a warmup for what was to come. Oxford scored touchdowns in each of the first two quarters and held a 14-6 halftime lead.
The Wildcats got two more touchdowns in the third quarter, the second coming on a TD run by Liam Logan for a 27-12 advantage entering the final quarter.
A 37-yard TD run by the Raider’s tailback and a two point conversion cut Oxford’s lead to 27-20.
After Oxford recovered an on-side kick, they moved 55 yards in only three plays.
Quarterback Glacier Wallington hit Vinnie Griffith on a four-yard pass with 2:19 left to give Oxford a 34-20 lead.
North Farmington wasn’t finished for the night. The Raiders tailback sprinted 69 yards with 1:31 left for another score. They added another two point conversion and trailed 34-28.
After the Wildcats recovered another on-side kick attempt, they were held on downs and punted. The Raiders started inside their own five yard line and during a pass attempt, the North Farmington quarterback was called for intentional grounding during a pass attempt from the end zone, which was a safety for Oxford, making the final score 36-28 with just a few seconds remaining.
Logan finished with 97 yards rushing and a TD to lead Oxford and Zack Hadorn rushed for another 84 yards and one touchdown.
Wallington was 4-for-7 passing for 100 yards.
Oxford’s win improved the team’s record to 1-1 but they are 1-0 in league play.
The Wildcats will face Farmington Hills Harrison in the first home game of the season at 7 p.m. on Friday.