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By James A. McCray III
Content Manager, Prince George's County
The odds of getting struck by lightning, 1 in 700,000. The odds of hitting the United States Powerball lottery, 1 in 80,089,128. The odds of a high-school football player getting a safety, and then returning the ensuing kickoff for touchdown may not be as severe or as low as winning the lottery, but never the less, Oxon Hill's Malik Cross was able to do just that in Saturday's 40-6 victory over the visiting Bowie Bulldogs.
Already leading 6-0 heading into the early stages of the second quarter, Cross was able to meet Bowie running back Travis Thomas in the end zone, and with help from teammate Denzel Prince, tackled the back to earn a safety and push the lead to 8-0.
Cross then walked calmly down the sidelines, gathered instructions from the coaching staff, and proceeded to take the ensuing free kick and return it 66 yards for a touchdown, further increasing the lead to 15-0.
"Every week I say if I get my hands on the ball, I am going to do what I can to help out the team," Cross said" The safety was a little surprising. I didn't think I was going to get there, but I continued to work hard, I got there, and made the play."
The safety was just one of the bright spots for the Oxon Hill (5-3) defense on the day. Along with the safety, sacks, an interception, and holding Bowie to only 141 total team yards were all highlights for the Oxon Hill defense.
"The defense is doing great," Oxon Hill head coach Walter Cross said. "[My defensive coaches] do a great job coming up with new schemes. They come up with stuff and they are able to do whatever they want to do. I give them free reign and whatever they think is best, that's what we do."
As the defense did its part, the offense followed up with a strong performance in its own right. Oxon Hill had two 100-yard rushers on the day as running back Leo Gordon led all rushers with 118 yards and two touchdowns on 13 attempts. Tyree Butler also rushed for 100 yards on the day on 11 attempts and a touchdown for the Clippers.
"I played good today," Gordon said. "My line helped me out a lot, and I give it up to them. Other than that, I just performed."
Oxon Hill quarterback Mike Wilson threw for 118 yards and a touchdown and rushed for a second score and was able to connect with Jason Howard on a 44-yard touchdown for the biggest gain of the day for either team's offense.
Bowie (3-5) was able to build some momentum coming out of the halftime period and capping a six-play drive with a 5-yard Prince Botchway touchdown. On Oxon Hill's ensuing offensive possession, the Bulldogs managed to recover a fumble near midfield, however, turned the ball over on downs on its next drive. Thomas led the Bowie rushing attack with 71 yards on the day. Bowie will host Eleanor Roosevelt on Nov. 1 in its next matchup.
Oxon Hill is set to travel to Parkdale next Saturday in its quest for the playoffs.
tmccray@digitalsports.com
Oxon Hill 40, Bowie 6
Bowie -- 0 0 6 0
Oxon Hill -- 6 15 6 13
First quarter:
OH - Wilson 2 run, (kick failed)
Second quarter:
OH - Safety, M. Cross tackled Thomas in end zone
OH - M. Cross 66 kickoff return, (Wilson kick)
OH - Howard 44 pass from Wilson, (kick failed)
Third quarter:
B - Botchway 5 run, (run failed)
OH - Gordon 13 run, (kick failed)
Fourth quarter:
OH - Gordon 22 run, (Wilson kick)
OH - Butler 4 run, (run failed)
Top individual performers
Rushing
Bowie: Thomas 15-71
Oxon Hill: Gordon 13-118, Butler 11-100, Wilson 6-55
Passing
Bowie: Brown 5-8-1 70
Oxon Hill: Wilson 7-17-1 118
Receiving
Bowie: Tomblin 2-30, Mayhew 1-24
Oxon Hill: Howard 1-44, M. Cross 3-41, Burrell 1-23
