Chargers Kick Off 2017 with Victory Over Bears

As the clock struck seven o'clock on Friday in Oklahoma City, all eyes were focused on the showdown about to take place at Taft Stadium. The 4A #4 Chargers took on the 3A #2 John Marshall Bears in a matchup that the entire state of Oklahoma had been looking forward to.

Both teams got off to a slow start, as penalties killed the Chargers first few opening drives. The Charger defense opened up very strong, however, as they were able to contain star John Marshall running back Devonte Lee. During the second quarter, the Chargers finally got in the scoring column when QB Blake Adams ran a speed option to perfection, pitching the ball to Billy Ross for a six-yard rushing touchdown. The Chargers couldn't connect on the extra point though, and John Marshall quickly responded with a 12-yard dash and dive into the endzone by Devonte Lee. As the half expired, the Chargers trailed the Bears by one, 7-6.

The Bears wasted no time in the third quarter, as Devontae Lee picked up a fumbled snap and scored from 66 yards out to give the Bears a 13 to 6 advantage. At this point in the contest, some fans might have expected the Chargers to lay down, but the complete opposite ensued. The Chargers reeled off five straight touchdowns, headlined by a Chandler Shapard pick six and a 58-yard touchdown reception by Conner Carey. With the game out of reach late in the third quarter, Devontae Lee lee finished the scoring on the night with a 4-yard rushing touchdown.

The Chargers had standout performances from some of their key players come up big in the John Marshall contest. Adams passed for an impressive 269 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Carey had 9 catches for 174 yards and a score. The defensive stoppers were just as impressive, as McDaniel had 16 tackles to go along with two fumble recoveries. McGinnis recorded 11 tackles with one tackle for loss. The Chargers got much needed help from some of their best players Friday night to seal the win.

Though the Chargers faced early resistance from the Bears, Heritage Hall overtook John Marshall for a huge week one victory. The Hall will try to carry this performance into next week, as the 2-0 Madill Wildcats come to Pop Murray Field.

by Rives Mitchell '19 and Preston Nelson '19

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