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Post Game Interviews: Jerell McFadden, Tyler Brown, Thomas and Timmy Keith, Former Osbourn QB Brandon Hogan
For the second time in three years, the Osbourn Eagles are heading to the state finals.
“We get to practice on Monday,” yelled the Eagles as fans rushed onto the field to congratulate their team after a 47-28 win over Central Region champion Varina in the VHSL Divison 6 semifinals.
Six weeks ago, it looked as if the Eagles might miss their second consecutive postseason after going 14-0 and winning a state title in 2006. Sitting at 3-4, the Eagles needed to win the remainder of their games to sneak into the Northwest Region tournament with the No. 4 seed. Coming close to ending their season in early November, the Eagles have taken nothing for granted these last three weeks. And so, practicing has become a privilege. Being able to suit up on Monday has become a reward.
“We are all believing in each other and believing in that commitment,” said Osbourn head coach Steve Schultze. “It is so special when something like this happens. It’s a dream come true for this to happen once. Now we are going back. That is what I am excited about.”
After vanquishing undefeated Battlefield and Woodbridge in the Northwest Region playoffs, the Eagles hosted the 12-0 Blue Devils on Saturday afternoon. Things didn’t look promising early.
In the first quarter, the Blue Devils got a 32-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Hermon Norrell to wide receiver Bobby Smith to get on the board. Senior T.K. Hester made in 14-0 at the end of the quarter with a 25-yard run.
Osbourn quarterback Thomas Keith, who finished the game with 221 yards passing helped the Eagles get back in the game in the second quarter with a 7-yard run with 8 minutes, 27 seconds left in the half. Keith then found Jerell McFadden for a 6-yard pass to knot the game at 14-14 heading into halftime.
At halftime, knowing that his squad will get the ball first, Schultze preached to his team to strike quickly.
“This drive, it’s time to take advantage of this team,” Schultze told his team. “Let them know that we are a much better team than they thought.”
The Eagles did just that as Keith found sophomore Rodney Whitehead for an 80-yard touchdown pass on the Eagles’ second play from scrimmage to take their first lead of the game. Osbourn’s lead lasted for the remainder of the game.
“We knew that we had this talent,” said Schultze. “The bottom line is that we kept believing in each other. We played good football. The bottom line is that you have to block, you have to tackle, you and to run, and you have to be able to throw and catch. That is what this game is about.”
For the third time in four games, McFadden rushed for over 100 yards — totaling 157 on 33 carries with four rushing touchdowns, all in the second half.
“It’s like a dream,” said McFadden. “Everything was just clicking.”
With their fans on the field looking on, Schultze gathered his squad. He raised his pointer finger in the air.
“Hey, we got one more.”
One more Monday practice. One more week. One more game.
The Osbourn Eagles will face Easter Region champion Oscar Smith (14-0) in the Division 6 VHSL title game at Lane Stadium on the campus of Virginia Tech next Saturday. Oscar Smith beat Oakton, 10-7, to advance to the final.
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