Eagles’ wings clipped in first round of playoffs
Published 12:50 am Saturday, November 10, 2012
The Goshen Eagles fluttered in the opening round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs after a very long road trip, falling to the Oakman Wildcats 25-6 in a penalty ridden game.
The game was not without bright spots, but the Eagles went three-and-out on their opening possession.
It didn’t take long for the Wildcats, now 9-2, to find the end zone.
Just eight minutes in to the game, the Wildcats marched 20 yards for the score after getting great field position on a punt return.
The Eagles would go three-and-out once more, before the defense was able to put Oakman on notice.
Terraino Griffin sacked the quarterback and stuffed a running play, resulting in a loss.
The firs-quarter stand proved to be the last threat the Eagle defense could mount. Equally frustrated was freshmen quarterback Ramsey Rigby.
Rigby finished the night 7-14 passing for just 59 yards.
He and seniors Deangelo Orum and Carlton Bean could never sustain the offense long enough to keep momentum alive.
The Eagles were able to post only 110 yards rushing for the night. Orum carried 10 times for 52 yards.
“We didn’t come ready to play,” said Goshen head coach Bart Snyder.
“I really can’t explain the performance. We had a very good week of practice and our coaches did a good job. However, Oakman’s coaches also did a great job. They have started thinking outside the box.”
The Eagles lone score came midway of the second quarter when Rigby moved Goshen 83 yards to answer Oakman’s second score.
Griffin scored on a four yard carry.
A pair of third quarter drives stalled, and set the Wildcats up for another touchdown at the Eagle 11-yard-line just seconds in the fourth quarter.
The Wildcats next drive was thwarted when Orum intercepted the ball and returned it to the Wildcat 21, but a dead ball foul sent the Eagles back to the Oakman 36.
Back to back first downs gave the Eagles momentary momentum, but the Eagles would give the ball back to the Wildcats at the Oakman 15.
On its first play, Oakman stunned the Eagles with an 85 yard scramble, only to have an unsportsmanlike penalty bring the ball back to their own 10.
The Wildcats were able to make it to the Eagle 21, before turning the ball over on downs with just two minutes left to play.
The Eagles could never catch momentum to post anymore points.
“Our seniors have really stepped up to the plate this year,” said Snyder. “I am very proud of them and proud of the whole team. Our young guys have stepped up and they have grown up. I also can’t say enough about our fans, they have stood by us and our crowd up here tonight was incredible.”