Oak Ridge falls short in playoff opener to Horn

THE WOODLANDS, Texas—The War Eagle’s season came to an end tonight with their loss to Horn 45-24 in the first round of the UIL State Playoffs. Oak Ridge finishes their season on a four-game losing streak after going 6-0 to open the season.

After leading 10-0 late in the first quarter thanks to a Reinard Britz 1-yard touchdown run and a Parker Venema field goal, the War Eagles quickly found themselves in s 24-10 hole at halftime. Oak Ridge had multiple different ball carriers with Mykendrian Ellis leading the way. Ellis finished with over 100 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown run to start the third quarter.

The War Eagles defense has been up and down throughout the season, starting out hot not letting up more than 20 points in a game during their six-game win streak. But the last four games have been rough for the War Eagles. Junior quarterback Jermaine Givens Jr. continued to lead Horn offensively on Friday night as he has all season. With over 41 touchdowns and 3000 yards, the Oak Ridge defensive needed to slow down the junior standout. The War Eagles did score six after a sack-fumble by Joesph Ossai and picked up and returned 60-yards for a touchdown by his younger brother Phillip Ossai.

Oak Ridge’s 2017 season comes to an end but Coach Rush has something to look forward to with multiple starters returning. With Darrius Jelks and Nick McCants returning on offense and DJ Hurd and Phillip Ossai, among others returning on defense, the War Eagles have the talent to compete for a playoff run next season. Horn will play Coppell on November 24 at Allen Eagle Stadium at 1 p.m.