Herron returns two interceptions for TDs

Oxford scored 21 unanswered points in the first five minutes of the third quarter to take the lead over South Panola, then tacked on another touchdown on a 57-yard interception return in the fourth quarter to post a 31-14 win in high school football action at Robert H. Dunlap Stadium in Batesville Friday night.

The Tigers led 14-3 at halftime, having scored touchdowns on their first drive and again with 4:25 left in the second quarter. The Chargers had managed just a field, a 27 yard kick, in the first half.

Oxford head football coach Chris Cutliffe said the halftime adjustment was not a drastic change, but was what the players needed to pile up points in the third period.

“We try to prepare for moments like that in the off season so I don’t think there is any magic speech you can give to get people ready to come out and play the second half,” Cutcliffe said. “You have to fall back on your training and the habits you’ve formed hopefully in the last eight months.”

The team’s response to the poor first half, is a good sign for the remainder of the season, Cutcliffe said.

“Football is definitely a game of momentum so when you get an opportunity to seize momentum you have to take them and I think we have capitalized on that the last two weeks,” he said. “One of the biggest things offensively is that we’ve responded well when the defense has forced turnovers and our defense has responded well when our offense hasn’t had a good drive and with special teams I think we have complimented each other in all three phases.”

The Chargers struck early in the third quarter, forcing a punt from the Tigers deep in their own territory. Oxford scored on a five-play, 28 yard drive, capped by a 14-yard run by Terrell McGlown. 

After another South Panola punt, Oxford went 55 yards on seven plays in 1:57 with Mitchell Grandjean connecting with Levi Blount for a 37 yard touchdown.

The Chargers scored again in the third quarter, this time on pick-six interception for 37 yard touchdown by Ken Herron with 4:25 left in the third quarter. That TD, and the PAT, made the score 24-14.

The Tigers put together an impressive drive early in the fourth quarter, picking up three first downs before stalling and turning the ball over on downs. On their next possession the Tigers gave up another interception for a touchdown – again to Herron on a 57 yard return, icing the game for the visiting Chargers.

Offensively, the Chargers had 186 total yards on 44 plays. On the ground, Oxford rushed for 87 yards on 26 attempts, and picked up 99 yards through the air on 18 passes.The Chargers were led on the ground by Mitchell Grandjean who rushed for 33 yards on 11 carries. He also completed 9-of-15 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Peter Grandjean connected on 2-of-3 passing attempts for nine yards. Receiving, the Chargers were led by Blount with four receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown. Dane Harmon had three catches for 13 yards.

On defense, Oxford was led by Kylan Mathis, Bryant Mix, and Collin Flanigan, each recording eight solo tackles. Herron’s two interceptions for touchdowns were the highlights for the defense.

South Panola had the ball 32:56 and Oxford’s time of possession was 15:04.

The Tigers were penalized 14 times for 98 yards. The Charges were flagged seven times for 46 yards.

Cutcliffe said the environment at the game with most of the stands filled on both sides was exciting for coaches and players alike.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming to the Oxford-South Panola game so cranking it back up a few years ago has been a fun rivalry for the two communities and it’s been great atmospheres. I think it was a great crowd for both sides tonight,” Cutcliffe said.

The Chargers (2-0) will host Tupelo Friday, Sept. 8. 

Tupelo is also 2-0 on the young season, having beaten Southaven 40-7 in week one, and shutting out Whitehave 37-0 last Friday.

Kickoff for the non-district game is set for 7 p.m.