Wildcats claw past Admirals, clinch playoff berth
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Oak Ridge’s Malik Howard (3) breaks away from a Farragut defender on his way to a touchdown during the Wildcats’ 35-14 victory over the Admirals on Friday, Oct. 23, at Blankenship Field. The win secured a state playoff berth for Oak Ridge. - Leah McVay | ORHS Sports Media
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Oak Ridge teammates Blake Woody (left) and Dylan Woody discuss strategy on the field during the Wildcats’ football game Friday night, Oct. 23. The two appear to be getting on the same page as they prepare for the next play. - Leah McVay | ORHS Sports Media
Oak Ridge punched its ticket to the state playoffs Friday night, Oct. 23, using a strong second-half performance to pull away from rival Farragut for a 35-14 victory at Blankenship Field.
Damillyan Porter powered the Wildcats’ offense, rushing for more than 100 yards and three touchdowns.
He also delivered a 67-yard kickoff return to open the second half, setting up a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brody Sparks to Branson Newberry on fourth down.
The victory improved Oak Ridge to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in Region 2-6A. Farragut fell to 1-8 overall and 1-5 in region play.
“I felt like we started the second half out well with a nice kickoff return, to go up 28-7,” Wildcats Coach Derek Rang said.
“And, you know, defensively we played a lot better in the second half. And then, you know, offensively we just kind of able to punch one more in and make it 35-7.”
Porter also contributed through the air, catching four passes for 48 yards.
Malik Howard hauled in six receptions for 53 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown pass from Sparks in the second quarter.
Zayden Williams made one of the night’s biggest catches, leaping to grab a 37-yard pass at the Farragut 32-yard line to set up another Oak Ridge touchdown.
Dominic Vasquez helped the Wildcats strike early, blocking a punt that gave Oak Ridge possession at the Farragut 1-yard line and set up the game’s first points.
Kicker Kyler Sachs was perfect on extra points, converting all five attempts.
Despite the victory, Oak Ridge struggled with penalties, particularly in the first half, when the Wildcats were flagged for more than 100 yards.
“Probably didn’t play our cleanest football in the first half, but we were still up by two touchdowns,” Rang said. “We just got to do a better job with our discipline on defense.”
One costly penalty erased what would have been a spectacular 57-yard touchdown run by Porter.
Oak Ridge finished with 21 points on five possessions that reached the Farragut red zone.
With a playoff berth secured, Oak Ridge now turns its attention to one of its toughest challenges of the season.
Maryville, ranked No. 3 in the state in Division I, Class 6A, visits Blankenship Field on Thursday, Oct. 29, for a Region 2-6A showdown that will be televised as part of the “Rivalry Thursday” series.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a big game. It’s going to be a fun game,” Rang said. “You know, Rivalry Thursday, it’s kind of the standalone TV game there. So, you know, it’s a great challenge.”
Rang praised Maryville coach Kenny Cobble for maintaining the Rebels’ winning tradition.
“Obviously coach Cobble’s done a really, really good job of taking over for coach Hunt. And just kind of keeping the program at Maryville at a high level,” Rang said.
He pointed to Maryville’s established feeder programs and player development system as major reasons for the Rebels’ continued success.
“I guess besides the Alcoa game — I don’t think they’ve really had much of a close game all season,” Rang said.
“So we’re going to have to play really well; we’re going to have to really be on point.
“I’m excited for the challenge, and we expect our kids will be excited for the challenge as well.”