High School Sports |

Oakland Mills football routs Reservoir in season opener, 33-0

A year ago, Oakland Mills football was embarrassed against Reservoir. The Gators recorded more than 500 yards of offense and scored 51 points in a statement victory.

Oakland Mills players remembered that defeat all offseason. They got redemption Friday.

The Scorpions announced themselves as an early-season contender for the Howard County title, defeating defending county champion Reservoir, 33-0.

The Scorpions were a young team last season, which contributed to a 0-6 start. But a majority of the roster’s top talent returned, giving Oakland Mills a wave of confidence entering the season.

“It’s the tale of two years, we had [only] seven seniors last year,” Oakland Mills coach Thomas Browne said. “They’re a year older. Experience was the biggest difference in the game tonight.”

Part of that belief stems from a veteran backfield. Senior quarterback Isaac Ramsey and senior running back Kaiden Lee were both All-County selections last season. Jahcy Asomani also provides big play potential.

All three made an impact Friday. Oakland Mills operated out of a spread offense, targeting the perimeter on its opening 80-yard touchdown drive. Ramsey scored on an 8-yard run, giving the Scorpions a 7-0 first quarter lead.

Ramsey played quarterback and defensive back for the Scorpions in the win. The undersized quarterback did not play the position until last season. Ramsey emphasized changing his footwork and mentality in the offseason.

The quarterback delivered a strong throw at the end of the second quarter, finding Asomani for a 35-yard touchdown. The strike showed Ramsey’s improvements; he diagnosed the Reservoir blitz, stood tall in the pocket and delivered an accurate pass for the touchdown.

“I knew he caught it, because as soon as I was on the ground, I looked up and I saw it in his hands. It was perfect,” Ramsey said.

Asomani is just one of several weapons at Ramsey’s disposal. Oakland Mills’ offensive plan focused on getting its playmakers the ball in space.

“We have a bunch of killers on the outside, we’re going to keep taking advantage of,” Ramsey said.

Another senior flipped the momentum of the game. Oakland Mills defensive lineman Ayo Adeniyi returned a blocked Reservoir punt for a 35-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter.

The senior wasn’t done scoring, though.

Adeniyi pounced on a third-quarter Gators fumble, returning it 75-yards for his second touchdown of the game, which pushed the Scorpions’ lead to 26-0.

The play was emblematic of Reservoir’s night. For a roster that lost nearly half of its players from last season’s county championship winning-team, the season opener was expected to be a slog. The Gators offense looked lost all game.

Reservoir coach Matt Banta was frustrated with his team’s lack of execution, citing multiple turnovers and procedural penalties.

“We got punched in the mouth, and these kids are going to grow up quick if you want to compete in this county,” Banta said.

It was Oakland Mills potential that shined on Friday, though. The Scorpions have won six of their past seven games (dating back to last season). Browne expected his team to play well in the season opener — but even he was surprised by his team’s dominance.

“Taking the ball out of the punter’s hands, I’ve never seen that before,” Browne said.