Just as Edmond North head football coach Jeremy Dombek had predicted, special teams played a big role in Friday night's game against Santa Fe, which saw the Huskies escape with a 14-13 win over the Wolves.
A 96-yard touchdown off a kickoff return by Xavier Smith to start the second half turned out to be the difference, which put the Huskies up 14-0.
It was a defensive struggle to say the least. The Huskies finished the contest with 87 yards of total offense, 89 of which came through the air, and just six first downs, with two by way of penalties. Santa Fe limited the Huskies to just 23 total yards of offense in the second half.
Smith set up the Huskies other score as well, as the Mizzou commit picked off a Will Long pass at the 28-yard line, leading to a 22-yard touchdown pass from Travis Townsend to Jon McNeil midway through the second quarter.
McNeil led the Huskies on offense with five receptions for 55 yards. Townsend 10-of-21 passes for 89 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
North had great field position in the first quarter, but failed to capitalize. It's first possession started at the Santa Fe 39, but resulted in a missed 50-yard field goal attempt by Austin Brasher.
Linebacker Dakota Lambeth picked off a Long pass on the Wolves next possession and returned it 17 yards to the Wolves 43-yard line. That possession went on to stall out at the 28.
The Huskies would get it back at the Santa Fe 47, but would eventually end in another missed field goal, this time from 39 yards out.
Santa Fe could not get anything going in the first half, netting just 51 yards. But the Wolves started to drive it at will late in the game.
Late in the third quarter Santa Fe had two touchdowns on consecutive plays called back, before finally getting on the board with 8:33 left in the fourth on an eight-yard run by Long.
The Huskies (1-0) then gave up a 13-play, 73-yard drive late in the fourth quarter, as Long hooked up with Matt Leavell on 4th and Goal on a 16-yard scoring strike with 1:51 remaining.
Santa Fe first-year head coach Bruce Gowen made a gutsy decision, choosing to go for the win instead of going to overtime and Ricky Lawyer made him pay, picking off a pass and returning it deep into Husky territory.
North failed to get anything going on its next drive and ended up giving the Wolves the ball back with :07 left, which resulted in what appeared to be a Husky interception return for a touchdown.
Brandon Downing picked off a Long pass and returned it down the sidelines for a score, with one official signaling a score. But the head official waved it off moments later ending it at 14-13.
It was North's first win in the series since 2004, when the Huskies earned a 17-12 win.
Sports
Related Photos
-
Edmond North's Xavier Smith angles away from Edmond Santa Fe's Tyler Shaw (76) and Alex Land Friday night on an interception return that set up the Huskies' first touchdown in their 14-13 win. Drew Harmon
-
Edmond North's Travis Townsend throws a pass in the first quarter of the win over Edmond Santa Fe Friday night. Drew Harmon
-
Edmond North's Tim Dulany puts pressure on Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Willl Long Friday night during the Huskies' win. Drew Harmon
-
Edmond North's Joe Aska runs for yardage against Edmond Santa Fe Friday night. Drew Harmon
Discussion
X marks the spot for Huskies
Xavier Smith leads Huskies to first win over Santa Fe since '04
- Sports
-
-
Sooners heading back to Virginia
Oklahoma knew it had a spot in the NCAA baseball tournament. Where it would go was the lingering question. Monday, the question was answered.
-
UCO's Rhodes earns track All-America honors
Central Oklahoma high jumper Lacey Rhodes earned All-America honors for the second straight year at the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships here Saturday.
-
Broncho rowers eliminated at nationals
Central Oklahoma's varsity 8+ boat put up a spirited battle, but fell just short in advancing to the Grand Finale at the NCAA Division II Women's Rowing Championships here Saturday.
-
All-Edmond Golf 2012
-
OCA’s Drewke signs with OC
Oklahoma Christian Academy senior Kara Drewke signed to play soccer at Oklahoma Christian University this week.
-
OC enters final day of NAIA golf championship with 3-stroke lead
Defending national champions and No. 2-ranked Oklahoma Christian maintained the clubhouse lead heading into the final round of the 61st annual NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships presented by FORE! Salem at Creekside Golf Club.
-
Kansas State shuts Cowboys out of tourney
Five days after Oklahoma State University pitcher Randy McCurry dominated Texas A&M in his best pitching performance this season, the junior from Tupelo had his worst outing as Kansas State eliminated the Cowboys from the Big 12 tournament, 11-5, Thursday at Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Ballpark.
-
Defending champion Oklahoma Christian holds 6-stroke lead at NAIA tournament
Midway through the 61st annual NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships presented by FORE! Salem at Creekside Golf Club, defending national champions and No. 2-ranked Oklahoma Christian University holds a six-stroke lead with 36 holes remaining.
-
Eagles, Bogstrand overcome soggy conditions, stand 2nd
Growing up in Norway, Oklahoma Christian University golfer Vilhelm Bogstrand became used to playing in adverse weather conditions. That experience served him well on Tuesday in the opening round of the NAIA Championship.
-
UCO qualifies boat for national rowing; 2 Broncho rowers named All-American
Central Oklahoma will make its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Women’s Rowing Championships this weekend when the Bronchos send their 8+ boat to the West Windsor, N.J. for that three-day event.
- More Sports Headlines
-
Sooners heading back to Virginia
