Oaks Christian football opens in high gear, beats Chaminade
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Oaks Christian football team started the first half against Chaminade Friday as if it were in mid-season form, not as if it was the season opener.
The Lions scored on their first five offensive possessions to take a commanding early lead and maintained momentum into the second half, capping off the night with a 55-28 win over the Eagles.
“We put an emphasis on playing clean this week,” Oaks Christian head coach Charles Collins said. “There were a couple of hiccups here and there, but in terms of playing the way we wanted to play, we were able to do that.”
Oaks Christian deployed both of its senior quarterbacks, Nate Bennett and Devin Tate, both of whom flourished.
Bennett started the game and completed 10 of 12 of passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. He added 56 yards on the ground.
Tate completed 7 of 8 passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
Both quarterbacks connected with senior wideout Justice Williams for touchdowns.
“Both these quarterbacks have amazing arm talent,” said Williams, who finished with five catches for 76 yard and two touchdowns. “I’ve just learned to play my game, let my game do the talking.”
Running backs Deshonne Redeaux and Mckenzie Parks led the way on the ground. Redeaux scored on nearly half of his carries, finishing with three touchdowns and 92 yards on just seven rushing attempts.
Parks had 138 yards on the ground, including an 85-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter.
“We’re a one-two punch,” Redeaux said. “We’ve built a brotherhood and we’re going to make sure we’re both going to eat.
Chaminade was able to go get on the board in the first quarter by way of a 46-yard touchdown run by Jackson Tyler on fourth down.
The Eagles scored on a punt return at the end of the first half well, but the inexperience was too much to overcome against a determined Oaks Christian team.
“We have two guys on offense that are returning starters, so when you only have two guys returning offensively you have to create chemistry,” head coach David Machucha said. “It’s a steep learning curve. We have to do more to get ready for these games, especially against a team like Oaks Christian.”
Oaks Christian will face off against Sierra Canyon at home next week and Chaminade will look to rebound against Cathedral Catholic.