Short-Handed Yellow Jackets Shut Out As Battlefield Remains Undefeated

Osbourn Park saw a slew of new starters amidst injuries. (photo via Brian Westhoff)

After a heart-breaking loss to Freedom last Friday, Osbourn Park once again took to the road to play the undefeated Battlefield Bobcats. It was an uphill battle due to the Bobcats’ raucous home crowd and the unfortunate fact that OP was without 15 of their players. Battlefield would win in a 53-0 shutout.

Notable absences for the Yellow Jackets included juniors Ryan Westhoff, Thomas Pullen, Wyatt Hurley, Donovan Mullins, and Bryce Thompson. All play both sides of the ball. Head coach Reggie Scott turned to the Yellow Jackets’ junior varsity players to help fill the absences.

“It’s very tough to win a varsity football game with 15 of our players on the injured list. Nonetheless, I’m very proud and appreciative of our JV guys that had to step up and fill in the roles considering they had just played the night before against Gainesville,” said Scott.

Freshman quarterback Adrian Cabrera started for the Yellow Jackets. (photo via Brian Westhoff)

Freshman Adrian Cabrera would start at quarterback for Osbourn Park with junior Max Pokoo in the backfield. Senior Uriel Chavez would be the second running back.

Less than 90 seconds into the game, Battlefield used a seven yard rush by junior running back Jelon Johnson to go up 7-0 following the extra point.

Minutes later, senior running back Josh Thaxton scored from five yards out. A botched snap on the extra point led to some improvising as junior tight end Wesley Williams caught the ball for two points and a 15-0 lead.

Junior Max Pokoo started at running back for OP. (photo via Brian Westhoff)

Senior quarterback Isaiah Walters would find sophomore Brandon Binkowksi at the 2:05 mark of the first quarter for an eight yard touchdown. Following a fumble off a bad snap by OP, senior receiver Tanner Joseph caught a ten yard touchdown as Battlefield roared to a 30-0 lead after the first quarter.

Josh Thaxton would use a 15 yard scamper to put Battlefield up 37-0. Not to be outdone, Jelon Johnson housed it from 33 yards out at the 3:53 mark. The Bobcats final score of the first half came with just over a minute remaining when Taylor connected with Joseph again for 27 yards to take a 51-0 lead into the half.

OP’s Adrian Cabrera took a hard hit late in the second quarter and was down for a few minutes. Senior quarterback Jakob Hancock stepped in for him. Cabrera would admirably return in the third quarter.

Senior Jakob Hancock stepped in for Cabrera at QB in the second quarter. (photo via Brian Westhoff)

The only score in the second half was an Osbourn Park safety by Battlefield junior defensive back Mason Cage.

With two games remaining, OP looks to end the season on a positive note. Ryan Westhoff looks to return this Friday versus Osbourn (6-3).

“It was a rough game with everyone out. Hopefully we can get everyone back this week and finish the season strong,” Westhoff told me.

Kickoff versus Osbourn is at 7 pm. For more on OP football, visit their website and follow them on Twitter @OPHSfootball.

News and Notes:

 Adrian Cabrera would find freshman receiver Alexander Molina for 40 yards which was OP’s longest completion of the night.

-          Battlefield had 15 first downs to OP’s 3.

-         The Bobcats were 5-9 on third down and the Yellow Jackets were 2-9.

-          Senior defensive lineman Musa Kader forced Battlefield’s only turnover on a 4^th down with a sack.

-          Battlefield was prone to penalties, piling up ten flags for 97 yards. Despite their youth, OP had 2 penalties for 10 yards.

-          Alexander Molina would punt 5 times, averaging 21.5 yards with a long of 33.

-          Senior receiver/kick returner Nehemiah Rhodes had 3 returns for 44 yards.

-          OP defensive standouts:

JR LB Teshawn Gresham (8 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack)

SR LB Uriel Chavez (8 tackles, 2 TFL)

FR DB Alexander Molina (6 tackles)

SR DL Andrew Arthur Humphries (6 tackles)

SO LB Ameen Kader (3 tackles, 1 TFL)