Oxford Chargers Shock Collierville with Overtime Victory, 39-36
UPDATE: In a thrilling season opener, the Oxford Chargers stunned the Collierville Dragons with a dramatic 39-36 overtime victory on September 1, 2023. Despite facing numerous challenges, including being down by 17 points in the third quarter, the Chargers showcased their resilience and “next play” mentality, a hallmark of coach Chris Cutcliffe‘s program.
Throughout the game, Oxford struggled with penalties and turnovers, including multiple touchdowns negated and a critical pick-six thrown by quarterback Drew Dean just before halftime. However, Dean rebounded spectacularly, accounting for three touchdowns and utilizing his agility to keep drives alive. “(Dean) was very resilient,” Cutcliffe said, praising his quarterback’s ability to recover from adversity.
The Chargers displayed impressive depth as Dean connected with several receivers, including Kevin Smith and DJ Stribling, accumulating significant yards after catches. Meanwhile, running back Demarie Frierson quietly achieved a remarkable 100-yard rushing game, further contributing to the team’s offensive efforts.
Defensively, Oxford faced an uphill battle against Collierville’s strong running game. However, after several missed opportunities for turnovers, the Chargers finally secured crucial stops that allowed kicker Michael Thompson to step up in the clutch. Thompson, who had previously struggled with blocked kicks, nailed a 48-yard field goal to tie the game and force overtime. “That is just preparation,” Cutcliffe noted, emphasizing the team’s belief in Thompson despite earlier setbacks.
Thompson’s victory was especially poignant; he recalled missing a crucial kick in middle school and vowed never to let that happen again. “I just kept my trust in God. Whatever was going to happen, it was for a good reason,” he shared, reflecting on the support he received from teammates.
As Oxford celebrates this hard-fought victory, they prepare to face the South Panola Tigers on Friday, September 5, at 7 p.m. in Batesville. Fans and players alike are eager to see if the Chargers can carry this momentum forward.
This latest win not only highlights the Chargers’ determination but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned as Oxford continues its journey in high school football!
