Published: October 29, 2008 10:47 pm      

Saints control their own destiny

OCS looks to hold onto second place with win over Crescent

Oklahoma Christian School and Crescent enter Friday night’s district A-2 clash on opposite ends of the spectrum. The Saints enter on a five-game win streak, while the Tigers have lost two straight.

Still, the game carries a lot of importance.

If OCS wins, they will host a first-round playoff game. Crescent (5-3, 3-3) is still fighting for a playoff berth. But a lot of unlikely events need to take place for the Tigers to make it. But remember, it’s Halloween.

Crescent currently sits in fifth place behind Cashion and Watonga. They need Wellston or Minco to upset Cashion, or Watonga to lose to Luther and Thomas. Very unlikely for any of that to happen, but that’s why they play the games.

“Crescent is going to be a tough team. It’s Halloween, and they wear black and orange, so what a deal that’s going to be,” OCS head coach Derek Turner said.

Crescent’s three losses have come to Cashion in week three, Christian Heritage and Watonga. It’s loss to Cashion was just 33-29, and that was before the Wildcats lost their quarterback. With the exception of the last two weeks, all of their games have been decided by nine points or less.

The Tigers have a good rushing attack, which is led by sophomore Darian Bennett, who is closing in on 1,000 yards on the season. Quarterback Dylan Smith is the teams second leading rusher, but is a capable passer.

OCS is 6-2 for the first time since joining 11-man football. A wide open passing attack — OCS has five receivers with 10 catches or more — and Jeff Smith’s legs (800 yards rushing) are a big reason for that.

“Jeff Smith knows how to run downhill, even if we don’t get our blocks, he’ll pound it out. He’s the type that will run us over to get his yards,” junior lineman and linebacker Jeff Levy said. “That’s the type of guy you need in the backfield.”

While they count on several underclassmen, it really doesn’t show. Sophomore quarterback Jack Warren has passed for over 1,000 yards, while throwing 142 passes with only two interceptions.

“He just doesn’t make many mistakes,” Turner said last week.

On the defensive side, its young secondary keeps improving, while Levy keeps making plays at linebacker.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Crescent.