Oak Grove's final regular-season game felt much like their first regular-season game minus the drastic difference in temperature. Despite being in the lead during the fourth quarter, momentum began to sway in favor of the visiting team after a touchdown drive.
That is when the similarities happened.
The Warriors got the ball back and marched down the field on the backs of their offensive line and running backs to milk the clock and punch the ball into the endzone, ending a comeback bid by the visiting team on their home turf.
As the cannon blasted, Oak Grove defeated Northwest Rankin 38-21 and punched their ticket to the postseason.
"We sat there on third and six or something close and had a pass play we thought about calling. I just told the coaches to let's go run power and put it on the offensive line. They did what they needed to do. They did what they needed to do for the most part all night. I'm proud of them and they've done a good job," said Drew Causey discussing the game-sealing drive.
Oak Grove started their first drive much in the same way as their final, as they worked their way down the field, utilizing nearly five minutes of the first quarter before senior quarterback Damon Stewart ran for a seven-yard quarterback keeper to score. The Michael Owens PAT was good, giving the Warriors a 7-0 lead.
Northwest Rankin did not waste time to answer back.
Quarterback Zachary Beasley connected with Jordan Cavitt for an 84-yard touchdown pass on their first offensive play. After a successful Cougars PAT, the score was even 7-7.
Oak Grove again methodically marched down the field, but could not punch the ball into the endzone. They did, however, score on a 34-yard Owens field goal that led both teams into the second quarter.
With under 11 minutes to play in the first half, Stewart connected with wide receiver Brandon Hayes for a 60-yard touchdown pass to give Oak Grove a 17-7 lead.
Northwest Rankin responded again, as Beasley found Jordan Ware for a 14-yard touchdown to close the gap 17-14. That score held into the halftime break.
While the Oak Grove defense held the Cougars from scoring, Stewart put the Warriors up 24-14 when he snuck his way into the endzone from one-yard out.
Oak Grove stayed methodical on offense, holding onto the ball with a strong rushing performance from Nick Milsap as they went into the fourth quarter. The Cougars managed to get a third-down stop, but the Warriors surprised the Northwest Rankin special teams unit by faking a punt that got them to the Cougar 16-yard line.
Milsap would get the carry from 10-yards out to give Oak Grove a commanding 31-14 lead with 9:11 to play in the game.
Northwest Rankin was not quite done yet.
With 7:31 to play, Beasley connected with Ware for a six-yard touchdown pass to close the gap 31-21.
They attempted an onside kick, but the Warriors special teams unit came up with the football.
From there the Warriors utilized their strong run game, putting the nail in the coffin on a six-yard run by Eugene Newell Jr. to give them a 38-21 lead that led to the final score.
Causey talked about his run game and Milsap who ran for 125 yards in the first half alone.
“Nick had a great football game. He played well and he’s done that all season. We expect him every week to be hard to tackle and he proved that by being that way tonight.”
Momentum Change
The Warriors special teams who came up with the onside kick attempt, then the final offensive drive that was capped by Newell’s touchdown run sealed the game and their playoff berth.
Player(s) of the Game
Senior running back Nick Milsap and the offensive line was instrumental in the victory over the Cougars. Milsap scored one touchdown and bounced his way through the gaping holes made by the Warriors line.
What’s Next
Oak Grove finishes as the two-seed in Region 3-6A and will face Ocean Springs at home next Friday evening. Northwest Rankin finishes the season 3-4 in region play and 3-8 overall.
