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Kingston junior Eli Oliger and teammates celebrate after he scored the second touchdown of the game. The Redskins beat the Wildcats by one point in double OT during the Marshall County Super Bowl, earning the Redskins the right to paint the train trestle red. Courtesy photo -
The Kingston Redskins storm the field before the Kingston vs. Madill game on August 25. Courtesy photo -
Madill and Kingston players stand on the line of scrimmage for the coin toss during the Marshall County Super Bowl game. Courtesy photo
On August 25, the Redskins and the Wildcats delivered an exciting opening football match the Harold “Bulldog” Henry Memorial Stadium. The eagerly awaited game exceeded expectations, showcasing the long-standing rivalry between the two schools. Over the course of the three and a half hour-long game, both teams demonstrated impressive determination and skill, showing their efforts in their preparations.
The match commenced with the inaugural kickoff launched by Kingston’s Jamie Lewis. The Wildcats initiated an early offensive drive but were stopped by the Redskins defense. The Redskins played their turn on offense but encountered resistance from the Wildcats. This stalemate continued until an interception by Kingston’s Sam Walker, gave an opportunity for their advance, resulting in the game’s first touchdown by sophomore Parks Ratzlaff. This play was made with eight minutes and 43 seconds left in the opening quarter.
After this touchdown, the Redskins failed their attempt at an extra point, and were gradually pushed toward their own goal line after the kickoff. Taking the opportunity, the Wildcats charged forward, driving all the way to the three-yard line, only to be stopped as the first quarter drew to a close.
As the second quarter commenced,theWildcatshad an early advantage, quickly resulting in a touchdown and an extra point. This took the score to 6-7 allowing the Wildcats to steal away the lead at the 11 minute and 56 second mark.
After the kickoff, the Redskins drove the Wildcats back to their own 35-yard line where their advance was stopped. Taking control of the ball, the Wildcats charged through the Redskins’ defense and Harlem Holmes made a remarkable 65-yard sprint to the goal line.
This play resulted in their second touchdown of the quarter, followed by an extra point at the six minute and 57secondmark,changingthe score to 6-14. The Wildcats continued their offensive advance but were stopped by the Redskins’ defense. This, along with an interception by Ratliff, turned the game back to the Redskins favor with one minute and 40 seconds left until halftime.
Capitalizing on this, the Redskins advanced down the field until they stood on the 24-yard line. They then executed an impressive maneuver that resulted in their second touchdown of the game, narrowing the gap to 12-14. Seeing the opportunity, theRedskinsopted for a two-point conversion attempt, which they successfully executed at the 0:14 second mark, resulting in a tied game, 14-14, at halftime.
The third quarter commenced with the Wildcats launching the kickoff, putting the ball in the hands of the Redskins, who made an advance to the 30-yard line. The Redskins progressed down the field, ultimately reaching the 47-yard line; however, their momentum was stopped, resulting in a turnover as the ball was relinquished to the Wildcats.
Seizing this opportunity, the Wildcats went on an offensive drive,movingforward to the 43-yard line. Their momentum carried them to the 38-yard line until they were stopped by the Redskins. The Redskinsdefensebroughtthe Wildcats’ progress to a standstill until the quarter’s end.
As the fourth quarter began, the Wildcats, taking control of the offensive initiative, advanced to the 22-yard line; however, their advancewasstopped,leading to a turnover that shifted the ball to the Redskins. The Redskins then exhibited a persistent approach, gradually progressing down the field until they reached the 27-yardline;whereRedskins’ Eli Oliger, showcased his skill as he charged towards the goal line, securing a touchdownwithfourminutes and 58 seconds remaining on the clock.
Following this exhilarating touchdown, the Redskins skillfully gained an extra point, solidifying their lead at 21-14. The subsequent kickoff took the Wildcats to their own 30-yard line where they initiated a powerful offensive surge, getting to the 10-yard line. After a short struggle, the Wildcats managed to achieve a crucial touchdown. A successful extra point immediately followed, resulting in a 21-21 tie on the scoreboard, thus, the football match ventured into overtime.
Overtime commenced with the Wildcats assuming the defensive position while the Redskins took charge on offense. The Redskins’ pushed forward resulting in both a touchdown and an extra point. Now, the Wildcats on offense overcame the defensive line of the Redskins, scoring a touchdown; the extra point that followed signaling the beginning of the second Overtime.
With the roles reversed, the Redskins found themselves on defense as the Wildcats launched an offensive onslaught. The Wildcats managed to breach the lines and secure a crucial touchdown; however, the Wildcats’ hopes were dashed when they failed to secure an extra point, providing the Redskins with a golden opportunity to seize victory.
Fueled by the possibility of triumph, the Redskins smashed through the defensive barriers of the Wildcats and secured a touchdown. The extra point that followed was executed flawlessly, propelling the Redskins to a final score of 35-34. With this, the Redskins clinched the Marshall County Super Bowl and concluded the inaugural game of the season with a hard-fought and exhilarating victory. Perhaps, the Redskins can keep the momentum going as they face off against Idabel September 1.