Frank Speziale Photo

OXFORD – The Oxford varsity football team played their second home game in as many weeks when they hosted the Greene Trojans on Friday, Sept. 16. Greene would edge Oxford out as they pulled away in the fourth quarter to solidify their 3-0 start to the 2016 season, winning 31-6.
Greene would enjoy a slight lead in what was looking to be a tight game when they took a 14-6 lead over Oxford heading into halftime.
Oxford would employ a mix of both passing and rushing in the game as they tried to offset the solid Trojan defense – Oxford team passing of 69 yards, and team rushing of 124 yards.
“They were pretty solid on defense, they have a solid core. We made a few mistakes,” said Oxford head coach Jeff Newton. “We were driving the ball good and then we had four straight penalties on four straight plays, that kills drives.”
Despite the close game early on, Greene would stop Oxford in their tracks late in the game to successfully outscore Oxford 17-0 in the second half.
“We actually were fighting all the way to midway through the third quarter, it was 14-6. We actually had the momentum, five minutes to go in the third, it was fourth and 28, all the momentum was going our way. They punted it and we just shut down, and it cost us the game,” said coach Newton.
Greene would go on, following their punt in the third quarter, to see scores from Nate Erickson who ripped off a 44 yard run in the third, followed by a two-point conversion from Nate Ericksen to Noah Kennedy. This was coupled by a third quarter Luke Ericksen run of 18 yards to the end zone. And fourth quarter Mitchell Walters 32 yard field goal to close the win out.
Greene would employ a much different offensive philosophy in the game, as they produced 266 rushing yards off of just 33 carries, compared to their 36 yards through the air on just three passes in the entire game.
“I was very pleased with the way our players responded to adversity on Friday night,” said Greene head coach Dave Gorton.
Nate and Luke Ericksen would lead the charge for the Trojans, as Nate would produced 131 yards and a touchdown (third quarter), while Luke would carry the ball 14 times for 111 yards and two scores (first quarter 55 yard rushing touchdown, and third quarter touchdown). Nate and Luke were followed by Zach Orzell with six carries for 12 yards and touchdown in the second quarter, Logan Kennedy with two carries for negative four yards, and Coy Austin with six carries for 16 yards.
Oxford would enjoy an Xavier Cruz touchdown in the second quarter as he notched together a game where he carried the ball 15 times for 81 yards and a score, followed by Chris Martin who passed for 69 yards and ran for 25 more off of three carries. Hunter Davenport would gain 16 yards off of six carries while also gaining seven tackles, three for losses, from the defensive end position. Mickenson Clune would tack on two yards on one carry, while on the receiving end, Jon Heggie would nab two catches for nine yards and Rece Camadine would haul in a long pass of 56 yards for his lone catch in the contest.
Coach Newton pointed out another defensive standout for Oxford, Jake Ingraham who record six tackles, three for losses, from his position at defensive tackle.
“He (Ingraham) is one of the kids who was in the weight room the whole year and it definitely shows,” said coach Newton.
Ultimately on the day, Greene would wear and tear their way to the win as their powerful run game wore down the Blackhawks late in the game, as they pulled away for the 31-6 win.
“Greene was definitely our toughest opponent so far, they were very physical,” said coach Newton. “We look to rebound this week against Seton.”
Next up for Oxford (1-2 overall) will play host once again as they take on Seton Catholic and their deadly passing attack on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. Greene (3-0) will also be home this coming weekend, when they host Owego on Friday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.

O: 0 6 0 0– 6
G: 6 8 6 14 3– 31