Red Oak takes care of Cleburne, 38-28

CLEBURNE – The Red Oak Hawks traveled to Cleburne on Friday, Oct. 17 to face off against the 0-3 Yellow Jackets.

The Yellow Jackets didn’t play like a 0-3 team coming into the game and gave the Hawks a run for their money.

In the 1st quarter, both teams moved the ball mostly on the ground. In the 2nd quarter with Cleburne holding a 14-7 lead, Red Oak moved into field goal range and closed to within 4.

Midway through the 2nd quarter is when the Hawks began to slowly take control of the game. Their defense forced a couple of punts and turnover on downs, and the offense got rolling as well.

Quarterback Billy Middleton found wide receiver Bradyen Robinson streaking down the Hawks sideline and dropped a dime over Robinson’s shoulder for a huge gain, setting up Red Oak’s go-ahead touchdown. This would be the beginning of a 14-point swing.

In the 3rd quarter, the Hawks defense forced a punt attempt by the Yellow Jackets. The Hawks special teams were able to break through the line and blocked the punt. Linebacker Brody Flaherty picked up the ball and scored.

Cleburne was not finished though. They moved the ball down the field and scored again, staying within 10 of Red Oak. Both teams would trade a couple more touchdowns in the game, but it was the Hawks’ defense which finally stopped the Yellow Jackets, forcing back-to-back turnover on downs late in the 4th. The Hawks went into their victory formation with 1:28 left in the game and walked out with a 38-28 win.

Red Oak moves to 4-3 (2-1 district), and Cleburne falls to 2-6 (0-4 district).

The Hawks are back home on Friday, Oct. 24, hosting the Burleson Centennial Spartans. Both teams come into the game at 2-1 in district play, setting up a pivotal match-up for a potential playoff spot down the road.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bill Goodloe Stadium.