For the last game of the regular season, the Oxford Lancers welcomed the ARU Rhinos on a cold, blustery day to Wheatley. It was an opportunity for the Lancers to achieve something for the first time in the club’s history: going through a whole season undefeated.

 

As before, the Lancers were able to dominate on both sides of the ball for most of the game, with the defense being a stingy as ever, giving the offense great field positions on their drives, and an opportunity to score on each possession.

 

For the majority of the contest, the Lancers relied on the running game, bolstered by great blocking on the offensive line, and the MVP performance of RB Connor Thompson, who was able to rack up 231 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.

 

Indeed, it was the running game that gave the Lancers a commanding lead at the half, with 2 rushing touchdowns from QB Will Szymanski sandwiching a 20 yard TD rush from Connor. The kicking conditions were tough all day, meaning that the Lancers were unable to convert PATs, save on two occasions, once in each half. At HT, the score was Oxford Lancers 19 - 0 ARU Rhinos.

 

After the half, the Lancers offense settled into a rhythm, taking the initiative right out of the gate with a deep pass on the seam from Szymanski to WR Alex Dale for a 53 yard score. They were able to replicate this again on the next drive with a similar pattern, this time for 46 yards. The last score of the game went to Connor after another 20 yard scamper up the middle, making the score 39-0.

 

The defense continued its dominance by forcing fumbles and pressuring the ARU QB into risky throws. One was picked off by DB rookie Josh Allen, more than making up for his dropped pick earlier in the game. The offense was able to drive into the ARU red zone on the possession, but after a tipped incomplete throw and a tackle of Connor Thompson on the goaline on 3rd and 4th down, the Lancers turned the ball over on downs.

 

It was a special day for the Lancers, as they secured their first undefeated season in team history, thus increasing HC Andy Mckenzie’s unbeaten streak to 11, and also booking their first trip to the playoffs. It is now our job to take this momentum into the postseason against Greenwich!

 

Go Lancers. ‪#‎leadthecharge‬.