By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Defense Helps Power Oakdale Football To Victory
football1
Oakdales junior varsity running back A.J. Martinez, 24, rushed for an impressive 59 yards on eight carries for the Colts on Friday night at The Corral. Leader Photos By Dennis D. Cruz

In front of a large and appreciative home crowd, the varsity football Mustangs won their seventh straight game with a 39-16 Friday night win over Weston Ranch (3-5, 0-5).

Oakdale scored three minutes into the game on a 30-yard catch and run by Joseph Lutz to make it 6-0 in the first quarter. Oakdale found the end zone two more times in the first quarter when Will Semone scored on a 16-yard run and less than two minutes later he broke a 32-yard run for the score to give Oakdale a commanding 20-0 lead. Semone finished the day with 222 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

The Mustangs added to their lead when quarterback Marc Dickson connected with an open Bronson Harmon from 35 yards out to go up 26-0 with 9:01 remaining in the half. Weston Ranch cut the lead on a 47-yard rushing play after a bobbled snap to the Weston Ranch punter who took it to the house, and followed up with a successful two point conversion to make it 20-8 with 31 seconds remaining in the half.

Uncharacteristic of Oakdale, they had trouble holding onto the ball as they put the ball on the carpet on their opening drive of the second half, giving Weston Ranch a short field to work with. The Cougars capitalized on the turnover, scoring on a seven yard touchdown pass and adding yet another two point conversion to trim the lead down to 26-14.

From there, Oakdale’s rushing attack took over as Semone scored his final touchdown on a third quarter 44 yard run. The lone score of the fourth quarter came on a 47 yard run by Zack Campbell with 8:28 remaining in the game to secure the win.

Oakdale’s defense, which has been stellar as of late, continued to have a big night as the defensive line applied pressure on Weston Ranch resulting in three sacks, two by Levi Ichord and another that was a group effort. Weston Ranch tossed four interceptions on the night; the first went into the arms of Sean Gingrich and three went to Bronson Harmon.

“Sloppy game tonight, by both sides, the positive is that we came away with the win. I’m proud of my three interceptions, but it was a team effort tonight,” Harmon said.

With the win Oakdale improved to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in Valley Oak League play. This Friday night Oakdale travels to Manteca (7-1, 4-1) to face the Buffaloes. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

Oakdale’s 19 point second quarter helped propel the Colts to a 39-24 home win Friday night over Weston Ranch. Oakdale’s Oscar Ramos rushed for over 200 yards a week ago and followed up with a 76-yard performance with three touchdowns in the win. Quarterback Hayden Knittel tossed two touchdowns in the win, a 57 yarder to Caleb Kuppens and a short pass to Cameron Burke. Oakdale’s Justin Jericoff put the game away on a 32-yard rushing score with 8:49 remaining in the game. Oakdale travels to Manteca Friday night with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.

 

FRESHMEN

First year head coach Rod Long is having the young Ponies playing well as they won their second consecutive road game with a 32-20 win over Weston Ranch on Thursday night. Oakdale has their home season finale this week when they welcome in Manteca on Thursday, Oct. 27. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.