Falcons soar over Chargers in 'Clash of Champions'

On a humid and muggy night on the eastside of Oklahoma City, the defending state champion Heritage Hall Chargers attempted to start the season off strong versus the talent-rich Millwood Falcons.

Thursday night's game tested the Chargers in every way imaginable. From injuries to turnovers to penalties, this showdown between heavyweights had it all. The Hall entered the game with a chip on their shoulder, as all the prior week's talk had been centered around Millwood's trio of division one players. Even though Heritage Hall was coming off their second state championship in three years, the experts were still seemed to favor the Falcons.

The Hall started the game off with a bang, as junior quarterback Will Dunn marched the Charger offense straight down the field, completing passes to an abundance of receivers. Then, on fourth down, Dunn kept the play alive with his feet and chunked the ball to a heavily contested area of the end zone. At first glance, it looked as though the ball might get intercepted by the Falcons, but "Mr. Do-It-All" Connor Carey was able to catch the deflected pass for the game's first score. Parker Kays knocked the point after through the uprights, and the Chargers seized an early 7-0 lead.

The next series, however, showed just how talented Millwood running back Marcus Major really is with the ball in his hands. On the Falcons' first offensive snap, the OU commit busted through the line and broke loose for six. The 50-yard touchdown dash showed off his incredible combination of speed and strength. The Falcons, absent of a kicking game all night, converted the two point attempt to capture an 8-7 lead after one quarter of play.

Injuries and cramps began to plague the Chargers as the game continued. Leading rusher Billy Ross, Jr., suffered an asthma attack and left between quarters to seek treatment at a local hospital. At one point, a dehydrated Jaden McDaniel left the game to receive IV fluids. McDaniel returned later in the game; Ross missed the remainder of the game, but will return to action this week.

Early in the second, the Chargers found themselves backed up in their own territory. As Dunn rolled out of the pocket, Millwood's defensive line converged to force a fumble, recovering on the one yard line. Millwood quarterback Daniel Howard then sneaked it in on the next play, extending the Falcons advantage to 9-points after a successful two point conversion.

After many miscues by both sides, the Chargers big play offense finally struck again. The Hall claimed great field position on a late second quarter drive, starting around Millwood's 35-yard line. Dunn took advantage immediately, connecting with Carey along the sidelines for their second touchdown of the day and the last score of the half, sending the teams into the locker room with only a couple of points separating them.

The second half showed just how much both these teams wanted to come out on top. As the teams battled back and forth, birthday boy Carey came up big yet again late in the third quarter. Dunn connected with him on another deep pass, resulting in the lethal tandem's third touchdown of the night. With growing confidence, Heritage Hall entered the fourth quarter clinging to a slim 20-16 lead.

Sadly for Charger fans, the fourth quarter did not go as expected. The offense ceased clicking and Millwood's Howard showed spectators why he is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the state. The Falcons' quarterback continued to run the sweep all quarter, and it resulted in a pair of Millwood touchdowns and a 30-20 victory over the Chargers.

Despite suffering the tough loss, The Hall truly showed the rest of Class 3A their make-up. This team never gave up, fighting through adversity, and showing it has the resolve and talent to take the 3A title this year.

Coach Bogert's squad will get a chance to bounce back when they travel to the Tornado Bowl to face a familiar foe in 4A Clinton on Friday night. The game will air live on ChargerVision for viewers who are unable to make the trek west. Go Chargers!

Written by Rives Mitchell '19
Photos by Jake Steelman '19

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