Capital seals the 21- 20 overtime victory; Capital's second win of the season.
Football has three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. Special teams brought Capital over the top with a blocked field goal and a blocked PAT in overtime to seal the victory.
This was not a pretty game at times but sometimes if playing ugly will get the job, so be it. “As long as we get the done, we don't care how ugly it looks.” Capital Head Coach Turan Rush.
After forcing a 3-and-out on Capital’s opening drive. Oak Hill marched down the field, relying on running back Cade Compton for most of the drive. Paxton Hopkins connected with Jagger Knox on what would have been a 17-yard touchdown pass on 4th down, but an ineligible man downfield nullified the touchdown. Oak Hill attempted a field goal, but it was blocked.
On Capital’s ensuing drive, running back Tony Rush Jr. would break out on a long run to start the drive. A screen pass from Quay Booth to Darius Thomas for 11 yards to advance to Oak Hill’s 19-yard line. After two flags on the Cougars, Capital would strike first with a 14-yard rushing touchdown from Tony Rush Jr.
In the second quarter the momentum would begin to swing towards Oak Hill. Oak Hill’s game plan was clear from the onset. To shorten the game. And that’s what they would continue into the second quarter.
Oak Hill would feed running back Cade Compton. Compton would break a 32 yard rush that would set the Red Devils up with 1-and-goal. Quarterback Paxton Hopkins would run it in to tie the game a 7.
Oak Hill would get the ball back after a Cougar 3-and-out. Cade Compton again would break a long run. This time for 27 yards. Advancing the ball to Capital’s 18-yard line. Jaden Lawson rushed to the right for a touchdown to put the Red Devils up 14-7. Oak Hill took a 7-point lead into the half after intercepting Quay Booth right before halftime.
An uneventful 3rd quarter kept the score at 14-7 for Oak Hill. In the 4th quarter, Oak Hill would fail to convert a 4th down, resulting in a turnover on downs. Capital running back would pick up 2 first downs on the ground, bringing the ball into Oak Hill territory.
After another first down for Capital, they finally got on the board again on a 29-yard rush by Darius Thomas. The touchdown tied the game at 14-14 with about 7 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. Both teams would possess the ball a couple more times, but it ultimately ended in overtime.
Capital won the toss and elected to play defense first. Cade Compton would pick up a first down to keep Oak Hill alive. Caleb Spack would come in at quarterback and would complete a touchdown pass to Jaden Lawson; Lawson's second of the game. Oak Hill would line up for the extra point, but it was blocked by Capital’s Cartier Smith. Oak Hill led by 6.
After an encroachment penalty by Oak Hill, Capital’s Tony Rush would pick up the first down. After Oak Hill stopped Capital on first and second down, Capital’s Darius Thomas would find the end zone on a sweep to the left, beating the defender to the pylon. Capital would add the extra point to secure the 21-20 victory over Oak Hill. Giving Capital its second win of the season.
“We talk about Deuce Thomas always being a senior since the day he stepped on campus at Capital.” Coach Rush. “He was a senior. The way he moved, the way he carried himself, and when guys put so much effort and energy into the craft, God blesses them with plays like that. So we knew Deuce was going to be the guy that carried this win out for us today…. This guy, he comes in 25 hours a day, eight days a week. He busts his tail every time and in everything… We ask him to run. He asks, " Hey, coach, how far?” So we give all the credit to Deuce, man.”
“I told them to keep chopping wood every play. You know, play by play. Keep chopping wood. No matter if it's a good play or bad play. So what now? What you now? So what if you made a good play? So what now? What's the next play? Make it back. You know, you can get it back. So it's all about how you respond. These boys responded, and that's all. That's all we could ask for.” Capital Defensive Coordinator Henry Barron-Houchins.
It was not a pretty win for the Cougars, but they will take it. Capital (2-4) will host MSAC opponent Spring Valley (3-4) next week at Laidley Field.