Chargers storm past Bulldogs to State - Heritage Hall Athletics

Entering perhaps its most anticipated game of the season, the Heritage Hall football squad carried high expectations into Friday night's clash with Lincoln Christian. Sitting at 11-1, the Chargers were looking to win their way into the State Championship, while the Bulldogs hoped to spoil those plans. The preparation on both sides was as intense as it gets, and the result on the field was no different.

All season long, the Chargers have had far and away the best offense in Class 3A and arguably in the entire state. Friday night was further proof that good offense travels well. The Hall wasted no time scoring on Friday, as NewsOK's 3A Mid-Season Player of the Year Conner Carey took a handoff 49 yards to the house to make the advantage 6-0. The scoring continued throughout the opening quarter as Heritage Hall continued to light up the scoreboard. Jackson Jobe connected with Billy Ross, Jr., for an 8-yard TD pass. Then, just when fans thought the Chargers were done for the quarter, the Hall perfectly executed a reverse play to Phillip Smitherman, who bolted down the sidelines from 61 yards away to give the Chargers a commanding 21-0 lead. Lincoln Christian would stop the bleeding and cut the lead to 21-7 with a 9-yard pass near the end of the quarter.

The Jobe-Smitherman tandem did not die young Friday night, as the pair hooked up from 16 yards to extend the Charger lead. Conner Carey continued to assert his dominance, scoring twice more in the second frame. Already up 41-7, Heritage Hall did not let up the gas, and managed the kill shot with a 62-yard bomb from Jobe to Ross. Once again the Bulldogs bit back, as two short runs made the score 48-21 at halftime. Though Lincoln Christian ended the half on a 14-0 run, the Chargers were well in command and seemed destined to make yet another appearance in the State Final.

The second half saw even more scoring from both sides, as Conner Carey reached the end zone for his fourth score of the day, and Phillip Smitherman caught his second touchdown. Sophomore stud Colby Lewis also got on the board, capping an incredible 69-point offensive onslaught. Lincoln Christian found paydirt two more times to bring the final score from Sapulpa High School to 69-34.

The stats for the Hall were simply eye popping, as numerous players had huge games to lead the Chargers. Jobe was an efficient 10 of 14 passing, and racked up the yardage with 264 yards en route to four touchdowns. Carey had just another day at the office, finishing with 238 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Ross and Smitherman both went over 100 yards receiving the ball, and each finished with two touchdowns. Connor Keith lead the squad in tackles with 15-takedowns. Will Dunn patrolled the line and finished with 9 tackles, while Smitherman registered 8 takedowns.

The Chargers travel to Western Heights High School next Friday in pursuit of the Gold Ball. Awaiting Heritage Hall will be the Sulphur Bulldogs, who are coming off a win over Kingfisher, looking to ruin the Chargers aspirations of a 4th state championship in 5 years. It should be a fun one Friday night, so we encourage all fans to put on their best blue and gold, show up, and yell loud. Onward!

Written by Rives Mitchell '19
Photos by Kirsten Griffin

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