OAKLEAF – Both Green Cove and Wilkinson entered the day undefeated and needing a win to clinch a spot in the North East Florida Athletic Conference title game; however both Oakleaf and Bradford County had other ideas.
Oakleaf and Bradford both pulled off stunning upset wins over Green Cove and Wilkinson respectively, to throw the NEFAC into a loop.
The result is both the North and South Divisions of the NEFAC finished in three-way ties. And now things will be settled in two weeks Oct. 17 with a non divisional game.
Oakleaf 20, Green Cove 19
Trailing 13-6 with seconds left in the third quarter, Oakleaf needed a big play to get back in the game and perhaps a momentum shift as well.
Donovon Shannon delivered raced 43 yards down the home sideline untouched tying the game at 13-13 on the final play of the third quarter as both teams headed into the fourth quarter.
Two plays later, they got another one.
Green Cove fumbled the ball away at their own 10-yard line, putting the Yellow Jackets in the red zone again.
Two plays later, Shannon rumbled 5 yards down the left sideline putting the Jackets suddenly ahead 20-13 two minutes into the fourth quarter.
The Jackets defense held the Cougars in check on their next possession as did the Cougars defense as both teams chewed up the clock.
Green Cove answered on their final drive of the game on a 12 yard run from Donovan McClain down the left sideline cutting the lead to 20-19 with 1:58 left in the game.
However, a low snap on the point after attempt allowed the Jackets front four to break through the line and block the extra point keeping it 20-19 with under two minutes left.
The Cougars attempted an onside kick that was recovered by the Jackets at midfield; however Shannon picked up vital yardage including an 8 yard run to pick up the first down and run out the clock.
Donovon Shannon scores again pic.twitter.com/fS0W3PMKU0
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) October 4, 2017
Shannon, who also scored on a 12 yard run in the first half, wasn’t fully aware of the magnitude of the win.
Green Cove (3-2, 2-1) had a chance to win the North Division win with a win but Oakleaf (3-2, 2-1) pulled of the stunning win to create the tie.
Some pictures from last nights upset win over Green Cove.
Oakleaf and Green Cove last night pic.twitter.com/ja0Lw31lfE
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) October 4, 2017
More from Oakleaf last night pic.twitter.com/5B84OOogc9
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) October 4, 2017
Orange Park 22, Lakeside 18
ORANGE PARK – The final piece of the puzzle was ironed out late last night when host Orange Park (2-3, 2-1) held off arch-rival Lakeside (0-5, 0-3) 22-18 in the Battle of Blanding rivalry at Orange Park High.
With the Wildcats win, the North Division officially ended in a three-way tie between Orange Park (2-1), Green Cove (2-1) and Oakleaf (2-1).
[table id=77 /]
Bradford County 18, Wilkinson 0
MIDDLEBURG – Earlier in the day, the stage was set for Wilkinson, at home in front of their fans to wrap up the South Division with a win.
Unfortunately, somebody forgot to tell Bradford County that.
Playing with their season on the line, the Tornadoes ripped apart the Eagles in a win or go home type of game.
Behind the running of Cecil ‘The Diesel’ Carway, Darius Hood and many others, the Tornadoes ground game wore down the Eagles in every quarter thanks to a massive offensive line.
After a scoreless first quarter, Carway rumbled 1 yard on the first play of the second quarter to give the Tornadoes a 6-0 lead.
The Tornadoes defense forced a quick three and out, which led to a Darius Hood 10 yard touchdown run and 12-0 lead with 3:57 left till half.
At the half, Bradford coaches told their team to not let up and keep it going this one isn’t over yet, still have two quarters to play and don’t let up.
They listened well as Demetrius Pringles raced 22 yards untouched to extend the lead to 18-0 with 3:42 left in the third.
Wilkinson attempted to get back in the game catching the Tornadoes defense off guard with a double pass play down to the 30-yard line. However, on the very next play the Eagles fumbled the ball and the Tornadoes recovered it.
As the fourth quarter began, Carway took over the game with several strong runs breaking off a 30 yard to keep the clock going and picking up several first downs.
As the clock wound down, a joyous celebration went off on the Tornadoes celebration.
Knowing they had to win this game or they would lose their chance to win the division title, the Tornadoes answered the call.
With the upset win and Lake Asbury’s win over Keystone, the South Division ends in a three-way tie between Bradford (3-2, 2-1), Lake Asbury (4-1, 2-1) and Wilkinson (3-2, 2-1).
Darius Hood goes in for the score to clinch Bradford upset win over Wilkinson. pic.twitter.com/j3VG8zrm52
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) October 4, 2017
Here are some pictures from yesterday’s big win over Wilkinson keeping the playoff hopes alive for the Tornadoes.
Bradford Tornadoes on the move pic.twitter.com/pjaRjkoLDY
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) October 4, 2017
[table id=78 /]
What’s next
Week 7, Oct 10
Baker County at Oakleaf, 6
Wilkinson at Orange Park (OPHS), 6
Keystone at Bradford, 6
Lake Asbury at Lakeside (Ridgeview), 6
Open: Green Cove
