OC Rivals blank Iroquois in sectional opener

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Jackson Snook signals touchdown as Elijah Doxey gets set to cross the goalline during the OC Rivals sectional win over Iroquois at Vets Park this evening.

Making a very successful postseason debut, the OC Rivals shutout Iroquois 27-0 in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class B football playoffs this evening at Vets Park.

A 10 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Preston Woodworth to Hadrian Batista late in the first quarter proved to be the game winner on the rainy evening as Boe Preston tacked on the first of his three extra point kicks.

Runs of 24 yards by Noah Harrison, 19 by Jayzon Wills and a 16 yard Woodworth to Elijah Doxey pass completion highlighted the drive.

The OC Rivals doubled the lead over the RedHawks to 14-0 late in the second quarter on a 6 yard TD run by Doxey. Doxey set up the scoring opportunity as he intercepted the ball in the Rivals endzone and returned it 100 yards only to have a penalty wipe out the score.

The OC Rivals later put a lock on the victory with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns the first on a 1 yard run by Woodworth and the second on a 36 yard run by Batista.

Rocco Sidari also had a big fourth quarter for the OC Rivals defense with a fumble recovery and an interception. The defense also got sacks by Parker Roberts, Matthew Jacobs and Jaxson Lynch.

Improving to 8-1, the OC Rivals now advance to next week’s semifinals against the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Pioneer and Maryvale.

Rocco Sidari (9) makes an interception for the OC Rivals as Jayzon Wills supports.

Hadrian Batista breaks loose for a touchdown run for the OC Rivals.