PREP ROUNDUP: Athens falls to Oxford, 45-27, in Class 6A playoffs
Published 10:49 pm Friday, November 10, 2023
- Athens running back John McIntyre scores in the second quarter at Oxford.
Athens’ season ended Friday night with a 45-27 loss to No. 7 Oxford in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.
The Golden Eagles (8-3) scored on their second offensive play — Brogan Gross completed a 68-yard pass to Jay’shon Ridgle — to grab an early 7-0 lead but trailed at halftime, 24-13.
The road squad battled back and cut its deficit to 31-27 on Gross’ second scoring strike to Ridgle (15 yards) with 10:53 remaining in the game, but the Yellow Jackets (9-2) produced the final two touchdowns to put it away.
Gross completed 17 of 26 passes for 218 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Ridgle hauled in nine catches for 145 yards and two scores.
John McIntyre, meanwhile, ran for 82 yards and two TDs on 16 carries.
Class 7A
Hoover 42, James Clemens 16
Ty Doughty had a pair of rushing touchdowns, but the Buccaneers outscored the Jets 35-0 in the second half to secure the opening-round win.
James Clemens (7-4) led 16-7 at halftime following Doughty’s scoring scampers and a safety, but Hoover (5-6) dominated the final 24 minutes to advance to the second round for the 24th consecutive year.
