Riverdale put it to Ooltewah in game one of the Middle Tennessee Football Classic at MTSU Saturday night. Game two featured the Oakland Patriots as they took on Jackson North. There was plenty of rain and scoring as Oakland began their first steps to a return to the playoffs.
Patriots Gamble In First Half
It was a big night for Senior Zarius Gamble. Gamble gave the Patriots the spark they needed early in the first quarter when he went 80+ yards for the first TD of the game. Later in the half he scored on a 60 yard pass from QB Brendan Matthews to put the Patriots up 21-0. Matthews added two more TDs on the ground in the first half and the Patriots had a 31-0 lead and never looked back.
The defense continuously confused a fast Jackson North team, coached by former Tennessee Titan Donnie Nickey. They rushed to the ball constantly and never let off the gas. Jackson North only threw the ball twice, one of those for an interception.
Overall, it was a total team effort. Oakland looked confident and prepared for Jackson’s speed. Now they go primetime on ESPNU Friday night as they face Hillsboro at home.
