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Oak Park Survives 4th quarter Showdown, Defeats Southfield 24-18 in Overtime
In a game of combatants that both won last week – Southfield was thinking upset while Oak Park was looking to stay undefeated after an impressive 34-22 win over Adams. And in a low scoring game through three quarters, it took some 4th quarter flair, numerous missed opportunities and then overtime to finaly decide it as Oak Park pulled out the win, 24-18 in a close overtime battle.
Following a back and forth, no-score first quarter, Oak Park quarterback Delonte Johnson finally connected with receiver Brandon Harding for a 5 yard touchdown to put the Knights on the board. With 45 seconds left in the first half, Oak Park’s second deep dive was stopped when quarterback Delonte Johnson was picked off by linebacker Jeff Madison of Southfield.
Late in the the third quarter, Oak Park quarterback Delonte Johnson was picked off again, this time by safety Marc Lincoln who ran the ball back for 66 yards giving Southfield first down on the nine yard line. Howeer, Oak Park’s defense dug in, and Southfiled turned the ball over on downs. After Oak Park took over on the 1 yard line, the Knights were caught in their own endzone resulting in a safety for Southfield.
At the eight minute mark in the 4th, Southfield finally got rolling when quarterback Tre Walton connected with receiver Brandon Bean for a touchdown. Southfield then converted a two point conversion for a 10-6 lead. Following a touchdown off a kick return that was called back due to an illegal block in the back penalty, Oak Park quarterback Delonte Johnson connected with receiver Drew Jackson for a 38 yard touchdown. Unable to convert the extra point, Oak Park led late 12-10. But with five minutes left in regulation Southfield quarterback Tre Walton connected with receiver Brandon Bean for an 8 yard touchdown. Southfield then converted a two point conversion to take a n 18-12 lead.
After trading possessions, Oak Park put together a drive in the closing minutes capped by a 21 yard touchdown run by running back Malik Washington with 1:33 left in the 4th quarter. Oak Park then took a chance that might have cost them the game – going for a two point conversion when one point might have proved the difference in the game. The attempt was unsuccessful- leaving the game tied at 18-18. Southfield fumbled on their next possession, but on Oak Park’s ensuing drive quarterback Delonte Johnson was picked off by defensive back Gerald Gates with 30 seconds left, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime Southfield received the ball first but turned it over on downs as Oak Park’s sturdy defense dug in. Oak Park was able to seal the win on their next possession on a 4th and 1 rush by quarterback Mario Morris for the touchdown and the 24-18 victory, keeping Oak Park undefeated.
