They say everything’s bigger in Texas, but that wasn’t the case Saturday.
The 11th-ranked OKC Homeschool Patriots hosted the eighth-ranked Dallas HSAA Blue Angels, winning 28-14. Coming into the game, the teams appeared even with the Patriots 2-1 and the Blue Angels 2-2. The Patriots came out hot with a nearly 60- yard touchdown run from Blaise Ihrig, within twenty six seconds punching a hole in the confidence of the higher-ranked squad.
The remainder of the first quarter was a dogfight between the two defenses.
The second quarter would clearly define the better squad; with the Patriots tallying touchdowns – from Conner Clark on a 14-yard run, and a 46-yard pass to Jacob Dudleson from quarterback Blake Smith. The Patriots went up 21-0.
The Patriots defense set up much of the scoring by forcing three turnovers, two interceptions from Joseph Hopper, along with several defenders wreaking havoc in the Blue Angels backfield with multiple sacks and tackles for losses.
The third quarter started with the Blue Angels forcing a turnover with an early interception that would lead to a quick touchdown, bringing the score to 21-6. During the quarter, Patriots quarterback Blake Smith left the game with a possibly hyperextended elbow, requiring freshman quarterback Houston Bynum to play the rest of the game at QB and linebacker. This was a big blow to the Patriots second-half gameplan causing them to be more of a one- dimensional team. With the Patriots unable to sustain many drives, the defense was forced to stay on the field in a very hot and humid game, doing just enough to maintain their 15-point advantage into the final quarter.
Entering the fourth quarter, much was the same until halfway through when Lael Edeens swooped up a shanked punt from the Blue Angels, returning it 28 yards for a touchdown, solidifying the Patriots’ win. Immediately thereafter, the Patriots activated their reserves, giving them a half-quarter of game experience. The Blue Angels would add one more score with the game out of reach, making the game 28-14. The Patriots finished the game by running out the clock, adding another win to the column, giving them a 3-1 record, while the Blue Angels fell to 2-3.
The Patriots’ next game is scheduled for Friday at Casady (4-1), who is coming off a loss, 26-20, to Crossings Christian.
