1) The 2023 Oxford Blackhawks cheerleaders perform a halftime routine. (Photo by Morgan Golliver) 2) The Oxford Blackhawks football team runs out prior to the Homecoming game vs Sauquoit Valley. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

OXFORD – The Oxford Blackhawks football team hosted Section III’s Sauquoit Valley Redhawks in Friday’s homecoming game. Sauquoit Valley, another tough ranked eight-man team, defeated Oxford 44-6. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks had a strong start to the game.

Oxford elected to receive the coin toss and had a shaky start, but then their luck turned around on a good play call on a fourth down. On the fourth down, Oxford looked like they were going to punt the ball, but faked it. Brent Hamilton, the Blackhawks’ kicker, instead caught the Redhawks off guard with a quick pass to teammate Richard Hunter for the first down.

The Blackhawks’ offense quickly rushed back onto the field and set up another big play on a third and 21. Jacob Gallo found Richard Hunter for a deep pass for the touchdown.

Unfortunately, Sauquoit Valley tied the game on their first offensive drive and scored consecutive unanswered points. The Oxford defense and special teams did have a few takeaways that were sentimental in the first half of play with a fumble recovery on a fourth down and a punt fumble picked up by Dylan Bowers that put Oxford at the Redhawks 33 yard line. However, the Blackhawks were heavily pressured and failed to create more scoring opportunities.

Oxford is fortunate to be playing a local contest this coming Friday against “rival” Unadilla Valley at 7 p.m. The Storm won both match-ups in 2022. Both teams are seeking their first win of the season.