Oxford handles B-G, 34-13

OXFORD – Oxford will play for the postseason berth Saturday at Delhi, while B-G can perhaps gain some confidence as it finishes out its regular season schedule.

In a contest where the loser would see its playoff dream evaporate, Oxford controlled the line of scrimmage and smothered the B-G offense for three quarters en route to a 34-13 victory here Friday.

The Bobcats had 154 yards of offense in the fourth quarter during desperation and mop-up time, and B-G coach Tim Mattingly fully recognized Oxford’s dominance. “They flat out handled us on the offensive and defensive lines,” he said. “We knew coming into the game that we had to win the line of scrimmage. Oxford is a good team with physical kids and talented skill position players.”

The Blackhawks (3-1, 5-2) won their fourth straight game, and Scott Shackelton continued his torrid scoring pace with three more TD runs to give him 17 on the season. It wasn’t however, until midway through the fourth quarter when Oxford truly asserted its dominance.

A bad punt snap to Bobcats punter Willie McGinnis gave Oxford prime field position at the B-G 18. Three plays later, Shackelton barreled in from the one for his third score.

Forcing a B-G punt on the next possession, Oxford moved swiftly toward another touchdown. Quarterback Steve Locke’s bruising option keeper in which he ran over several would-be tacklers netted 30 yards. Early in the fourth, Locke’s three-yard TD pass to Matt Begeal made it 28-7.

The Bobcats advanced 50 yards on their next offensive sequence, the big play a 35-yard hook-up from quarterback Chris McGinnis to Dylan Whittaker. However, the Blackhawks’ defense punctuated the victory shortly thereafter.

McGinnis tossed the ball on the left wing that was deflected off his intended receiver’s hands. Trevor Nelson picked up the tipped ball and dashed 71 yards for a defensive score.