Collinsville begins 5A title defense in successful fashion by beating Oologah
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By Ty Loftis | Photo by Karen Schwartz
COLLINSVILLE – Despite graduating 22 players from a year ago, the reigning state champions in Class 5A picked up where they left off last year, as Collinsville defeated Oologah, 41-21.
Things were never in doubt for the home team on Friday night, as the Cardinals started the game with a balanced 13-play drive, which was capped off by a quarterback keeper from Kaden Rush from 9 yards out.
The Mustangs fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Hunter Henslick was able to recover for the Cardinals at the Oologah 25. Four plays later, Zach Stein ran it in from 12 yards out.
Collinsville coach Kevin Jones said he was proud of the way his team started Friday night.
“Being that it was the first game of the year and we have a lot of new faces in new places, we weren’t sure how we were going to come out, but we set the tone early,” Jones said.
The Mustangs did get in a rhythm on their first offensive series, picking up three first downs and crossing midfield, but the possession ended with a punt.
A 28-yard pass to Stein helped Collinsville drive the ball into the red zone, but the Cardinals ultimately turned the ball over on downs as the first quarter came to a close.
With the Mustangs driving midway through the second quarter, Stein came up with a big play once again, intercepting Oologah quarterback Joseph Griswold. On the next drive, Stein scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Rush.
“It felt good to come out and have a good first game, but we have a lot more to go,” Stein said. “We are just going to have to keep getting better.”
With Collinsville leading 20-0, the Mustangs had a little more than 90 seconds to try and get on the scoreboard before halftime and they were able to do that, as Griswold found AJ Streater for a 61-yard touchdown reception.
The extra point attempt made it 20-7, Collinsville, entering halftime.
Following a Mustang punt, Collinsville took over near midfield and wasted no time taking advantage of the short field, as Rush found Stein once again for a 43-yard touchdown reception.
“Me and Kaden, we were on the same page (Friday),” Stein said. “It felt good and hopefully, that can be a sign of things to come.”
Oologah would go on to score on the next possession, converting on three fourth downs and chewing up 7:26 off the clock. The drive was capped off by a 3-yard quarterback keeper from Griswold.
Upon receiving the ball, the Cardinals scored two plays later. A 71-yard pass to Henslick set up a 4-yard run by Jack Keith to give Collinsville a 34-14 lead.
“I liked the way our guys answered there,” Jones said. “It showed composure on our part after a demoralizing defensive possession.”
Following a Mustang three-and-out, Henslick got his second touchdown of the evening to give the Cardinals a 27-point edge.
Oologah’s Ashton Wright scored with just under three minutes left, resulting in Collinsville’s eventual 20-point margin of victory.
Next week, Oologah will play host to Claremore, while Collinsville heads to Skiatook.
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