Friday, March 29, 2024

Oglesby battles past talented Calvert squad

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Oglesby High School sophomore running back Johnny Gomez said the harder someone hits him the better he likes it.

Gomez came up with some big runs Thursday as the Tigers, the champions of District 14-A, Div. II, played some hard-hitting football to claim a 48-30 bi-district win over the Calvert Trojans Thursday in Oglesby.

“I like it when the game gets going like that,’’ Gomez said after carrying the ball 16 times for 177 yards and four touchdowns. His longest run was 43 yards.

Oglesby will take on the 8-1 Richland Springs Coyotes in the area playoff round. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 at the high school field in Comanche.

The Tigers improved to 9-2 on the season with their victory at home Thursday.

“My kids played hard,’’ Oglesby coach Jeb Dixon said. “Defensively, we played great other than a couple jump balls. The kids did a really good job.’’

Gomez’s 43-yard run in the second quarter helped the Tigers reclaim the momentum for good.

The Tigers’ night started with a score from 25 yards by Blake Thompson on just the second play from scrimmage. It looked like a blowout early.

But Calvert with two scores including a scoop and score of 55 yards to battle back.

Oglesby had four fumbles in the contest.

“I thought we were the most physical team which helped set the tone. We had too many turnovers and we will clean that up,’’ Dixon said. “Their athleticism hurt us, jumping gaps and firing off the ball.

Oglesby led 32-18 at halftime and went on to secure the victory with a 42-yard run by Gomez and a 10-yard touchdown strike from Thompson to Hunter Ewing.

Ewing snagged the pass in the corner of the end zone for his first touchdown of his high school career with 7:18 left in the game.

“it was a perfect dime. Right in there,’’ said Ewing, a freshman.

The completion was the only one in six attempts between Thompson and Brodie Fisher.

Thompson finished with 17 carries for 109 yards. Gomez and Kyler Fossett were the other big threats.

Fossett finished with nine carries for 75 yards.

Tackle leaders were Thompson with seven and  Matthew Castillo with six.

Cash Lee, Fisher, Jakson Tippit, Fossett had four tackles each.

”We have a Goliath this week and their number of state titles speaks for itself,’’ Dixon said. “We will have to be very physical and fundamental. We need to win the turnover battle and be very sound. I love my team.’