By Michael Kinney
The Moore American
TULSA —
Jackson Stallings saw both sides of the coin Friday. In Southmoore's final scrimmage of the year, Stallings keyed a 21-20 victory over Owasso in the 2010 Gridiron Classic Football Preview.
The SaberCats were part of a six team scrimmage with Tulsa Union, Owasso, Bentonville (Ark.), Springdale Har-Ber (Ark.) and Bartlesville. They then faced the Rams in a mini-game that lasted a half at Tulsa Union.
On Southmoore's first possession, Kendal Thompson drove the team downfield and were set to take it in for the first score of the game. But Stallings fumbled after a catch to give the ball to Owasso on the four-yard line.
The Rams easily took the ball down field and scored to conclude a 11 play, 96 yard drive. They led 7-0.
Southmoore got its offense cranked up again on their second possession. Tailback Long and keyed a 13 play 65 yard drive to tie the mini-game at 7-7. The next time the offense took the field, Thompson showed his versatility by catching a 55-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Tre Edwards.
Trailing 20-14, the Cats got the ball with 2:30 on the clock. After driving the team deep into Owasso territory, Thompson moved back out to wide receiver. Edwards came in at quarterback and targeted Thompson several times, including once in the endzone. But Edwards overthrew the 6-foot-2 Thompson.
But, on the next play, with defenders focused on Thompson, Edwards hit Stallings in the middle of the endzone for a game tying 27-yard touchdown as time expired. The ensuing extra point gave Southmoore the 21-20 win.
Thompson finished the night passing 4-for-8 for 49 yards and another 38 yards on the ground. Stallings led the way with two catches for 57 yards.
The Rams Kason Key won the quarterback battle as far as the state line. The junior connected on 12-of-13 passing for 180 yards and a TD.
As a team, the SaberCats racked up 111 yards on the ground and 126 through the air. The Rams riddled the Cats defense for 186 yards. But it wasn't enough to earn the win.
"I am thoroughly impressed with both teams," Southmoore coach Chris Jensen said.
Southmoore opens the season Thursday at Edmond North.
Other scores
Springdale Har-Ber defeated Union 21-20, Bentonville beat Bartlesville 21-13.
