Oxford Chargers vs. Jackson Prep, August 22, 2014. Photograph by Carver Rayburn.
Abraham Tosses Three Touchdowns in Charger Victory as Quest for First State Title Begins
Jackson, Miss (TLV) – Junior quarterback Jack Abraham threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns as No. 1 Oxford defeated private school powerhouse Jackson Prep 26-21 on the road to open the 2014 Mississippi High School Football season.
A standing room only crowd packed itself into Patriot Field at Jackson Prep in anticipation of a thriller between two of the state’s best football programs. They were not disappointed.
The Chargers, who settled for field goals twice inside the Prep 20 yard line, put together a balanced offensive attack that gave the 2013 5A Runner-Ups a chance to score often and early. Abraham connected with three different wide receivers to give Oxford a comfortable 26-7 lead on the third quarter.
“They are a great football team,” Oxford head coach Johnny Hill said. “Coach Black pulled one over on us with that offensive scheme, but we made adjustments and I’m proud of the job we did with that. The heat took a toll on both squads.”
The adjustments Hill mentioned were in reference to a spread-style offensive scheme The Patriots ran for the majority of the first half. The defense held true, and provided multiple opportunities for the Chargers offense to strike.
Abraham completed 25 of 36 passes on the muggy evening with three different receivers snagging the pigskin for a score. Ole Miss commit DK Metcalf hauled in eight receptions for 67 yards and a score, Zach Cousar added four receptions for 81 yards and touchdown while Kyree White snagged three balls for 70 yards and six points. Metcalf’s one handed tip catch in the third quarter led Abraham to comment: “He’s a freak.”
On the ground, the offensive line paved the way for junior Kenzie Phillips to churn up 143 yards rushing on 21 carries, including a 57 yard scamper.
Despite committing 15 flagged penalties for 191 yards, the Chargers fought hard to preserve the showdown between No. 1 Public vs. No. 1 Private.
The Chargers will be back in action on Friday, August 29th in Oxford against rival Starkville and will then travel to Cleveland to take on East Side on September 9th.
Follow Carver Rayburn @LocalAthletics on Twitter for updates on the Chargers.
This article originally appeared in The Local Voice #211 (published August 28, 2014).
To download a PDF of this issue, click HERE.
