JEFF NEAL
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Oakland’s Kyreese Leavy and JoJo Booker break up a pass intended for Blackman’s Karson Wimley in the Rutherford County middle school championship game. JIM DAVIS

The Oakland Middle School Charger football team won their third straight Rutherford County championship recently at Smyrna High School, defeating the Blackman Flames 14-0 in a hard-hitting defensive football game.

Oakland finished an unblemished season at 9-0 and Blackman ended the year 8-1.

There was only one score in the first half as Oakland led 8-0. However, it was a four-quarter game that went down to the wire.

“I’m proud to have coached this team and we had a great season,” Blackman coach Ben Hillis said. “It’s worth celebrating anytime you can go undefeated in the regular season. I congratulate Oakland on winning the championship.”

In the final quarter, Oakland got insurance on a short touchdown run. Titus Holloway and Kyreese Leavy scored touchdowns for the Chargers.

“Based on one game, it is hard to put this team into words,” Oakland coach Travarus Holloway said. “I have the hardest working coaches in the game, and I thank God for another great year of football.”

Blackman’s Kaden Reeves and Mari Settles stop Oakland’s David Lane, Jr. during the Rutherford County Middle Schools championship game. JIM DAVISBlackman’s Marv Curry is tripped up by the Oakland’s defense in the Rutherford County Middle Schools championship game. JIM DAVISBlackman’s Alyjah Russell catches pass as Oakland’s Blake Radny is defends in the Rutherford County Middle Schools championship game. JIM DAVISBlackman’s Karson Wimley catches a pass against the Oakland secondary in the Rutherford County Middle Schools championship game. JIM DAVIS