JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Last season the Mandarin Mustangs snuck out with a 34-33 win over the Oakleaf Knights on the road.
This season the Knights came out focused on avenging last season’s lost and made a powerful statement by getting the road win, 35-12.
The Knights held the Mustangs scoreless in the first quarter. Senior quarterback Walter Simmons III and senior wide receiver Terrance Anthony both scored touchdowns to put the Knights up 14-0 after the first.
In the second quarter the Mustangs woke up offensively. They got a touchdown from junior running back Terrance Johnson with seven left before halftime to bring the score to 14-6.
But Knights offense, lead by Simmons III matched their first quarter points to bring the score to 28-6 at the half. The Knights received touchdowns from sophomore fullback/tight end Isaiah Shevchook with 5:36 left to play in the half. Then, senior wide receiver Cobie Bates with one minute to go before halftime.
The third quarter was both team’s defensive lines time to shine. Neither team allowed the other’s offense to put any points on the board. Although both offenses got very close to the end zone on numerous occasions.
The fourth quarter started out looking like the third until Oakleaf’s senior running back Adrian Grey muscled his way into the end zone with 4:54 left to play. This increased the Knights lead to a score of 35-6.
The Mustangs offense, although frustrated, fought until the very end. Mandarin’s senior wide receiver Tristen Riley, caught a high flying pass before he fell in the end zone to give the game a final score of 35-12.
You can catch both teams in action next Friday night. The Mustangs (1-4) will welcome the Sandalwood Saints (5-0). Kick-off is set for 6 pm. The Knights (4-2) will continue their road trip to St. Johns, Florida as they prepare to face the Bartram Trail Bears (5-1). Kick-off is set for 7 pm.
