Orange Park Fl- It was everything the mythical predictions expected it to be. The Duval Sports #1 ranked team Columbia Tigers versus the #4 ranked Oakleaf Knights. Many times big early season contests fizzle out with lack luster results, but not this one. It lived up to the hype and provided a glimpse of what’s to come with both teams this year. Dynamic play makers and experienced coaching led to Columbia’s 21-19 win over Oakleaf Friday night. Emerging from the ashes of the brutal battler were the usual suspects, as well as unlikely heroes on both sides. First lets start with the players who we anticipated to showcase their star studded talents.
Oakleaf’s Chantz Williams set the tone early in the game for his team. The University of Miami Commit caused havoc from his defensive end spot by leaping into the air and intercepting a screen pass at the Columbia 38-yard line on Columbia’s first drive of the game. Williams was un-blockable all game, registering an interception and four sacks. He was a man possessed against Columbia, rising to the occasion for his team with the absence of teammate Offensive Tackle Jalen Rivers (Miami Commit).
Another Oakleaf player rising to the occasion yet without the fanfare of Williams were running backs sophomore Adrian Grey and freshman Devin Outlaw. Grey found the endzone first on a short touchdown run capitalizing on the turnover by Columbia. Oakleaf led 7-0 early in the first quarter.
Outlaw, who was starting just his second varsity game, ran over defenders like a bulldozer. His frame is hard but his running style is smooth as he eased through the defense of Columbia like butter. Responding to a Columbia score, his touchdown run in the second quarter gave Oakleaf a 13-7 lead.
The Knights had their mixture of player contributions early on, but Columbia had their fare share of contributors as well. It started with their defense. Outside linebacker LeVontae Camiel harassed Oakleaf quarterback Walter Simmons III all night. In the first half, Camiel (South Florida Commit) chased down Simmons and almost registered a sack, however Simmons got the ball out of his hands. Unfortunately for Oakleaf, it ended up in the hands of Columbia defensive back Noah Ruise.
The defensive effort energized the offense of Columbia and their running back Kylen Callum. Callum, who is the son of former Columbia running back Quinton Callum, did his name proud scoring two touchdowns in the big game. His first, a 28-yard scamper around the right side to tie the game. His second a short run in the fourth quarter to increase his team’s lead to 21-13.
Columbia was able to turn obstacles into opportunities which is the mark of a good team. Quarterback Jordan Smith ( South Florida Commit) missed some throws early on that he normally makes. Saying after the game ” I didn’t play good at all; but I was able to get the ball to my open receivers”. Two of his beneficiaries were wide receivers Marquez Bell (South Florida Commit) and Lanadrick Bradley. Bell racked up yards after the catch, while Bradley’s sure hands caught deep balls to put the Tigers in scoring positions.
However the surprise hero in the receiving corps was freshman receiver Tray Tolliver. Tolliver routinely got behind the defense and mad several big catches in the game. His longest, a 44-yard over the shoulder reception from Smith made Oakleaf account for every Columbia receiver, and unable to play over the top of Bell or Bradley. Credit Coach Brian Allen for scheming an excellent game plan and calling a great game to expose their mismatches.
Still it was just a one score game in the fourth quarter which meant it was Oakleaf’s big time quarterback Walter Simmons time to make big time plays. He connected with receiver Sean Washington on a 24-yard pass play, then culminated the potential game tying drive wit ha 9-yard touchdown strike to Washington to bring his team to within a 2-point conversion. 21-19 with 6:27 to go in the 4th.
Ironically, in this contest it was the defense that started the game, and it would be the defense to end it. Oakleaf would force a Columbia punt thanks to a sack by Joshua Murrell and Chantz Williams. With the ball back in the hands of the Knight offense, Oakleaf’s coach Frank Garis elected to put the ball in several of his play maker’s hands. It was the formula that got them the lead earlier in the game. However, an incomplete pass from Simmons to wide receiver Terrance Anthony, and failed first down runs by Grey and then Outlaw turned the ball over on downs.
Columbia was able to take a knee and leave the field victorious, but not without the enormous efforts of its players. Defensive End Terrick Ponds registered two sacks for Columbia before injuring himself in the game. Running back Jaelin Brown powered his way for a touchdown in the game and picked up key first downs with hard nosed running. It’s titanic efforts like this, is what allowed Columbia to come out on top of this clash of titans and remain undefeated.
Oakleaf (1-1) proved that they are indeed deserving in the talks of the town. They’re athleticism and tenacity makes them a legit contender for a crown this fall. Columbia(2-0) faces Aklynn’s Angels Christian Academy (0-2) this week, while Oakleaf is at clay county rival Ridgeview (0-2).
