Raines HS- If there’s anything we’ve learned about Raines and Oakleaf the last two weeks, is that one team is gaining confidence while the other is relinquishing it. Raines has taken out 8A powers Mandarin and Sandalwood in consecutive weeks. Last Friday, they added District 3-7A leader Oakleaf to their list of victims, defeating the Knights 40-27. With the loss, Oakleaf has dropped two in a row. First to state power Trinity Christian, and then to the defending 4A state champions.
W. Simmons under pressure and still finds open WR in the back of the end zone for the first TD pass of the day… @OHSKnightsFB pic.twitter.com/sENsXJ8KOd
— Oakleaf HS Athletics (@Oakleaf_Ath) October 13, 2018
In a game that was close in the first half, Raines blew it open in the second. Leading 18-13 to start the 3rd quarter, the Vikings came out of halftime focused and ferocious. Running-back Brandon Marshall led the charge, scoring two times in a four minute span. The Raines offensive line opened holes for their back who went head to head and toe to toe with Oakleaf running-back KeShawn King ( Virginia Tech Commit). Marshall, who leads the area in rushing, hasn’t received nearly as much attention as big time backs such as King, and it seemed to motive Marshall and company.
#1 B.Marshall scores for the Vikings again. The score is Raines 33 – Oakleaf 13. The extra point was also good. There is 4:37 left in the 3rd qtr. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/EcESiKPlTx
— Ariana Zackery (@ZackeryAriana) October 12, 2018
Raines carried a 33-13 lead into the fourth quarter, looking to deal the Knights a severe blow, however it was Oakleaf that attempted a comeback. Adrian Grey would score for the Knights, cutting the lead to 33-19. Yet it wasn’t enough, as Brandon Marshall ran wild for is third touchdown of the second half, pushing the score to 40-19. King would score a late touchdown giving him two on the evening. Yet the Vikings defense would hold the talented running back to just 76 yards rushing for the game. Their passing defense was just as effective, forcing two turnovers in the air. After Walter Simmons hit Michael Williams for a 20 yard touchdown pass to give Oakleaf an early 6-0 lead, the defense took over securing two interceptions. James Tarver (cornerback), Javon Bonsell (Linebacker), and Uriah Ratlifl ( Free Safety) led the defensive effort in the 40-27 victory.
#4 K.King for the touchdown and #9 S. Washington for the extra 2 point conversion for the Oakleaf Knights. The score is Raines 40 – Oakleaf 27. There is 3:21 left on the clock in the 4th qtr. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/2k1SUsNDIM
— Ariana Zackery (@ZackeryAriana) October 13, 2018
So where do they go from here? Oakleaf must regain their confidence, and do so quickly with a road game against district foe Buchholz (5-2) and then another big match up in two weeks against Vanguard (7-0) which will undoubtedly have an impact on the playoff points system. Oakleaf will look to gain an automatic bid to the playoffs by winning their district.
Key players of tonight’s game for Raines : #16 James Tarver (cornerback), #5 Javon Bonsell ( off. Linebacker), #25 Uriah Ratlifl ( FS), and #1 Brandon Marshall (3 rushing tds). The Vikings won over Oakleaf Knights with the score being Raines 40 – Oakleaf 27. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/GVHTtQZ5nw
— Ariana Zackery (@ZackeryAriana) October 13, 2018
Raines will look to keep their confidence high with a contest against two big bend teams. First against Rickards (2-5) at home, before traveling to Tallahassee to face Lincoln (5-2). Unlike Oakleaf, they don’t have a district to win, and rely solely on the playoff points system. Week by week, the teams that show confidence down the stretch, are the teams that are playing the best football. The teams that fail to exhibit confidence, are all heading in the opposite direction.
