ROCHESTER HILLS ? Three turnovers and injuries to some key players thwarted Oxford’s efforts to win its football game Friday against Stoney Creek.
The Wildcats had some chances but could score only once in the 14-7 loss to Stoney Creek. The loss dropped Oxford’s record to 1-3 in the OAA White Division and 1-4 overall.
The Wildcats? offense managed quite a bit of yardage but could get into the end zone only once.
Oxford had 189 yards rushing and quarterback Vito Giannola had his best game of the season passing, with 74 yards on six-for-11 accuracy.
Prescott Line ran for 150 yards on 24 carries and scored the team’s only TD.
The Cougars scored first, on a one-yard TD on its second possession. A missed extra point gave the Wildcats a chance to take the lead with a touchdown and conversion.
That came when Line scored the TD with 9:36 left in the third quarter, on a 4-yard run. Line also had a 36-yard run on the drive.
Matt Kitchener’s conversion gave Oxford a 7-6 lead.
The Wildcats appeared to have a strong drive going late in the third quarter when they lost their third fumble of the game near mid-field.
Cougar quarterback Alex Jones scored three plays later on a 46-yard run on third down. Stoney Creek added a two-point conversion to take a 14-7 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.
By the fourth quarter, the Wildcats? two starting cornerebacks and a starting defensive tackle were on the sidelines with injuries.
The Cats put together a strong drive late in the fourth quarter and got down to the Stoney Creek 18-yard line.
But, Oxford could not convert on a fourth-and-six with 4:05 remaining. The Cougars took over on downs and ran the clock out.
Oxford Coach Bud Rowley noted that both teams played very well defensively, but turnovers ultimately hurt the Wildcats.
Line led Oxford with nine tackles while Aaron Stuk had seven.
On Friday, the Wildcats will celebrate homecoming. Rochester Adams is coming to town for a 7 p.m. game.