It was a dark, rainy night on Pop Murray Memorial Field as the Chargers hosted the 10th-ranked Kingfisher Yellowjackets in 3A District 1 battle. With a heated rivalry across multiple sports between the two schools, this was another highly anticipated game. Entering the contest, both teams knew the more physical team that had success running was going to be the winner. Kingfisher was under more pressure, knowing that if they lost they would likely not have home field advantage throughout the playoffs as the 4-seed out of 3A-1. 

With rain splashing down on Pop Murray Memorial Field, the Hall did not let that stop them. They got off to a strong start, especially defensively, and then built momentum throughout the whole game. 

Early in the first quarter, Jayden Williams exploded for a 35 yard run up the middle to set the tone. A few plays later, the junior tailback powered in a 4-yard score up to put the Chargers' first touchdown of the night on the scoreboard. The drive consumed almost 6 minutes on the clock.

On the Yellowjackets first possession, the Chargers brought the heat and forced a punt on 4th and 32, but a roughing the punter call gave Kingfisher an automatic first. With a six minute drive of their own, the visitor's put three points on the board with a 26-yard field goal to end the quarter.

Heritage Hall couldn't get the air game going to start the second quarter and was forced to punt. Kingfisher connected on a deep pass into the red zone when the Charger corner slipped on wet grass, but the defense stiffened and stopped the Jackets on downs. 

Phillip Smitherman broke off a 35 yard run behind William Jackson's pull block, but the offense came up a yard short on 4th down and gave the ball back to Kingfisher. The teams traded the ball for a couple of series before the Chargers headed into halftime up 6-3. 

Coming out of the locker room, the Chargers fired up their momentum. The defense held on the first Kingfisher drive. After power runs by Jayden Williams and Hunter Boyer set up the play action, Jackson Jobe passed a 33 yard pass to a leaping Smitherman for a score to put his team up 13-3. 

After the defenses reigned supreme for a couple of possessions, the Chargers got the ball back. Williams busted a beautiful 60 yard run, but the referees flagged the Chargers for holding. Boyer and Williams pounded the ground to put the Chargers inside the 5 yard line as time ran out in the third quarter.

Covered in mud to start the fourth quarter, Williams scored a quick touchdown, his second of the night, to extend the Hall's lead to 20-3.

On 3rd and long, senior Conner Keith swatted the slick ball out of the scrambling quarterback's hand and fell on the ball to give the Chargers good field position. 

River Faulkner took advantage of his opportunities with two big red zone runs. Out of a timeout, Jobe rolled right and punched in the last touchdown of the night to secure a 27-3 rivalry win. The victory stretched Heritage Hall's season record to 7-0 and extended the current win streak to 20 games. 

Despite the rain, Jobe completed 6 of 11 passes for a total of 87 yards and a score. Williams led the team in rushing yards with 134 on 25 carries, two that went for touchdowns. Smitherman hauled in all 6 of Jobes passes to lead the team in receiving. 

On defense, senior linebacker Hardy Bowers led the team with 11 tackles, while junior A.J. Sirls took down 9 Yellowjackets of his own. Connor Keith registered 6 tackles, including 2 behind the line of scrimmage, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The Chargers outran Kingfisher to the tune of 191 to 27 yards.

The Hall now prepares for Senior Night this Friday against Blackwell. The Maroons come into the 3A District game with a 2-6 record. In their last game, Blackwell crushed Mount Saint Mary, 41-0. The Chargers look to go 8-0 this upcoming week. Onward, Chargers!

Written by Quincy LeNorman '21
Photos by Dawn Freeman | @dawnefreemanphotography