ORLANDO- Oxbridge suffered a 31-28 last second lost to now 3A State Champions Chaminade-Madonna.
Oxbridge defense was very shaky to start the game as they gave up 14 points in the first quarter. Chaminade Running back Shaun Shivers ended the first half with 145 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.
Charles “Gio” Richardson put the team on his back early on as he scored on a one yard run in the first quarter. The thunder wolves would score again late in the second quarter on a 20 yard pass from Richardson to wide out James Meeks.
Chaminade had a 21-14 lead going into halftime after a two yard touchdown run by running back Shaun Shivers.
Oxbridge defense seemed to be a little shell shocked after giving up 21 points in the first half. The most points they’ve given up to any team all season.
To open the second half the lions would strike first on a 55 yard pass from quarterback Daelen Menard to wide out Xavier Williams. The lions were up 28-14 with 3:59 left in the third quarter.
Chaminade’s defense harassed Oxbridge Quarterback Gio Richardson all game as they recorded five sacks and one interception. Lions Keontra Smith recorded 13 tackles, one sack and a tackle for loss.
The thunder wolves defense did not give up a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Outside linebacker Herman McCray lead the charge with 10 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Oxbridge put together a nice offensive run in the fourth quarter after a 17 yard pass from Richardson to senior tight end Herman McCray. This would cut the lions 14 point lead down to seven with a little over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The wolves defense felt the pressure and forced a much needed three and out with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter. The wolves offense would march down the field and tie the game up after a 16 yard pass from Richardson to wide out De’John King with a little over three minutes left in the game.
After a methodical offensive drive the lions would be in a position to take the lead as they got the ball down to the two yard line. Lions kicker Daniel Longman would seal the deal after nailing a 19 yard field goal that would give chaminade a 31-28 lead with four seconds left on the clock.
Chaminade-Madonna runningback and University of Auburn commit Shaun Shivers ended the game with 223 yards and two touchdowns. After the game Shivers commented on the big win by stating “We said we were going to dominate up front and run down hill all game and that’s what we did.”
Oxbridge Quarterback Gio Richardson was very emotional following the loss but optimistic about the teams future. Richardson stated “We worked very hard for this game, I just want to come back next year and dominate.” Senior tight end/linebacker Herman McCray admitted to Oxbridge making some costly mistakes throughout the game but optimistic about the future also. McCray stated “We’ll be here next year. They just have to keep this (loss) in the back of their minds.”
