Orange Park Fl- It didn’t take long for Oakleaf to showcase why they are the best high school football team in Clay County Friday night. On the third play of the game, Quarterback Walter Simmons III dropped back, regained his footing and launched a 67-yard pass to wide receiver Terrance Anthony for the first score of the game. This combination would hook up three times on the night as they shredded the Clay defense to the tune of 180 yards passing in the first half.
In an attempt to keep pace with the high powered duo, Clay put running-back Alquerious Ray to work and he immediately delivered. A 15-yard run around the left side put Clay in great field position, but more importantly put the focus of the Oakeaf defense on Ray who would rush for 142 yards in the first half alone.
Clay would exploit this early, dialing up a pass play to the end-zone for an apparent touchdown. However, offsetting penalties by both teams negated the score as Oakleaf remained ahead 7-0.
Clay’s defense would keep them close in the first quarter, pressuring Simmons as Tristan Keith forced a fumble on the sack and Valdez Seymour would get the recovery.
Clay would capitalize from their defense and get in the endzone with a misdirection play at the gaol line. Dmaurion Frazier took the ball around the left side for a touchdown Clay and Oakleaf would be tied at 7-7.
In the second quarter, Simmons and Anthony would hook up for their second touchdown. After a 20-yard catch put the ball at the 27-yard line, Anthony would score on a 27-yard touchdown reception giving Oakleaf a 14-7 lead.
Clay would respond as Tre Griner would take charge of the offense. After a fake punt gave Clay life at midfield, Alquerious Ray burst a couple of runs to put the Blue Devils in scoring position. Griner did the rest on a zone read keeper for 10-yards and a touchdown. 14-14 would be the closest Clay would be kings on this night.
Oakleaf went to work again with first downs from running-back Adrian Grey. Simmons and Anthony also kept their connection ,slicing through the Clay secondary.
Grey would finish the drive off on a short touchdown, untouched into the endzone. Oakleaf took a 20-14 lead after the extra point was blocked. The ensuing kickoff resulted in Oakleaf recovering an on-sides kick.
Walter Simmons III would drive his team down field, but this time take it himself as he ran into the end zone for a touchdown. His touchdown gave Oakleaf a 27-14 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Simmons and Anthony would hook up or their third score of the night. Running-back Devin Outlaw would also get in on the action scoring a touchdown in the second half as well. The touchdowns allowed Oakleaf to coast in the final quarter, as the backups got playing time.
With the win Oakleaf became the ” Kings of Clay”, as they defeated previously undefeated Fleming Island earlier in the year and previously undefeated Clay to distinguish themselves from the rest.
They did so by holding a Clay team to it’s lowest point total this year (14). Oakleaf was also without standouts Cobie Bates and Marcus Anthony due to injuries. Both teams get to rest up in preparation of the playoffs.
Clay (7-1) gets Leesburg (0-6) on 11/13, while Oakleaf (6-3) will host Nease (1-7) on 11/13 to begin both team’s playoff action.
