Stratford JV Football - August 31 vs. Oak Ridge War Eagles

JV White Team

In our second game of the season against Oak Ridge, the Stratford JV White team showcased their incredible teamwork and enthusiasm. With the advantage of playing on our home field, the excitement was palpable from the very start.

The Spartan offense started quickly with sophomore RB Jaelaun Rosser scoring on the first drive of the game, and after a successful 2-point conversion, would take an early 8-0 lead. Sophomore QB Gavin Guzman, kept the momentum going, adding another rushing touchdown with just 21 seconds left in the first quarter, making the score 14-0. Our offense was on fire, executing huge plays, while our defense proved to be an impenetrable wall. On a crucial 4th down, Guzman ran it in for another touchdown, extending our lead to 20-0.

The special teams also played a significant role with a successful kickoff resulting in a safety. An electrifying kickoff return by sophomore Jack Watson would result in another touchdown. After a successful 2-point conversion, the Spartans would cement victory, bringing the final score to an impressive 30-0.

The strong defense held Oak Ridge off throughout the game, and our team's synergy and enthusiasm were evident in every way which led to their first shutout of the season. It was a game that showcased the true spirit of our team and made it clear why parent attendance at our home games, even on hot sunny evenings, is an experience not to be missed.

JV Green Team

Stratford’s JV Green team got off to a hot start at home on Thursday night against a tough Oak Ridge opponent. The Spartan defense forced Oak Ridge to punt on their first possession, and the offense took advantage as sophomore QB Will McCarroll had an impressive 40-yard scramble avoiding tacklers for a first down. A late-hit penalty gave the Spartans excellent field position. Sophomore RB Davis Kendall followed with some tough rushing yards in the red zone and would punch it in for the score to give the Spartans an early 6-0 lead. Oak Ridge would respond on their next drive as they converted several critical third downs to level the score.

The back-and-forth battle continued as the home team drove down the field led by sophomore QB Luke Tamez, who scrambled outside the pocket on third and long and found sophomore FB Luke Zilafro for a 30-yard catch and run to get inside the ten yard line. Tamez would later find sophomore WR Xaviera Campbell in the flat who danced around defenders to find the end zone as the Spartans would go up 13-6. Oak Ridge would respond quickly with an 80-yard bomb on the first play of their next possession to level the score 13-13 at halftime.

In the second half, the Oak Ridge defense forced a turnover deep in Stratford territory and took advantage of the short field to take a 20-13 lead. The Spartans would answer with an impressive drive of their own as sophomore RB Corbin Morris got the running game going to get inside the red zone. QB Will McCarroll then threw a nice swing pass to hit junior WR Tyler “Tygah” Fewell perfectly in stride for a 10-yard TD to tie the game 20-20 early in the fourth quarter.

Oak Ridge leaned on their size advantage to get their running game going and chew up clock to take a 27-20 lead. Trailing late in the game, the Spartan defense needed a stop. Junior safety Peter Vescovo came up with a huge interception deep in Oak Ridge territory, but the ball would get stripped out from behind and Oak Ridge would recover to preserve the 27-20 victory. After an intense, hard-fought game, the Spartans will look to rebound next week at Hastings.