Oakdale Falls to Rockwood 14-0 in Jamboree

By Terry Futrell

The Oakdale Eagles showed their mettle Friday evening as they took on Class 2A Rockwood in the Roane County Jamboree at Kingston. Missing several key players who were quarantined by COVID contact tracing, the Eagles fought Rockwood head-to-head for 20 minutes, giving up scores only on two big plays by Rockwood – a 70-yard run and a 102-yard pass interception.

The Jamboree gave Eagles Coach J.R. Voyles an opportunity to assess his 2021 team against real competition under actual game conditions. It also allowed new players, such as transfer Quarterback Eli Davis, to gain valuable game experience with the team. Playing against a good 2A Rockwood team made the test even more challenging. Playing without several key players due to COVID contact tracing placed the Eagles in an even tougher position.

Rockwood shocked the Eagles when running back Esaias Chrisco scored from 70 yards out on the Tigers first possession. The Eagles were undaunted and fought back, giving Rockwood all they could handle. Oakdale worked the ball all the way to the Rockwood red zone as Eloy Vera and Timmy Holder continued their offensive performance of the past season. The Eagles were threatening to score when Rockwood picked off an errant pass in the end zone and ran it back 102 yards for their second score nine minutes into the quarter. Other than these two big plays, Oakdale stood toe-to-toe with the Tigers throughout the game, giving fans an exciting 20 minutes of play that was far better than indicated by the final score.

Author Dean Koontz once said “Adversity breeds toughness, and the tough succeed. And survive.” The 2021 Oakdale Eagles faced adversity against Rockwood. They demonstrated toughness in spite of that adversity. As the Eagles make a few corrections and return to full strength, they will survive and are sure to find some future success.