Congratulations to the Oxford Blackhawks football seniors, Ryan Humphreys and Chance Reynolds. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

OXFORD - The Oxford Blackhawks football team hosted Unatego/Franklin on Friday night, where they honored their two seniors and continued to see improvement. However, Unatego/Franklin came up with the 52-26 win.

Prior to the start of the game, Oxford honored Ryan Humphreys and Chance Reynolds, who have put in their hard work and dedication to the rather young program. It was also a special night in tribute to the late Oxford football coach Tony Abbott, who passed away on October 6. It was a special time for alumni and the Oxford community to come together at Tony Abbott Field.

Abbott coached Oxford football for 25 years with an overall record of 147-71-3 and won seven league titles, three Section IV titles, and one bowl championship during his tenure. Abbott meant a lot to the Oxford community, especially to head coach Mitch Cluff, a former alum. The current Blackhawks players have all honored Abbott with T A stickers on the back of their helmet as well. Abbott’s “ Are You Ready” motto continues to be used by the Oxford football program each year.

While Oxford stayed committed throughout the game, Unatego/Franklin showed their fierce run game early on that helped them take the overall advantage.

Oxford called up a few modified players to join in on the action this week, where freshman Connor Dunagan had himself a great first Varsity game. He was a wide open target for quarterback Jacob Gallo several times, in good thanks to blocks from the Blackhawks' offensive line as well.

“ He made an immediate and dramatic difference to not only our team but the game. He was ultimately very dynamic,” Coach Mitch Cluff said of Dunagan following the game.

Dunagan caught 11 of 12 receptions for 179 yards with three touchdowns. He also rushed for 14 yards and had a big play on defense, coming up with an interception.

Jacob Gallo threw for 260 yards with the two receiving touchdowns to Dunagan. Gallo also ran for a touchdown and finished with 52 rushing yards.

“Jake is now a two-year starter and the sky is the ultimate limit for this quarterback,” Cluff said. “Every game he gets better. He is a very tough kid and is becoming very elusive in the backfield.”

David Dunckel led the Blackhawks defense with 12 tackles.

Oxford hosts Trumansburg on Friday at 7 p.m.