O'Hara's 34-6 victory over Pembroke Hill, along with Lincoln Prep's 6-0 win over St. Pius X, gives the Celtics the district title, and our first playoff appearance since 2001. O'Hara still has the final regular season game next Friday at St. Pius X, then will host the first round of the playoffs Wednesday, November 5th. This will be the first night playoff game played at O'Hara. Our opponent will be the loser of the Smithville-Chillicothe game. The winner of that game will host the winner of the Lincoln Prep-Pembroke Hill game. This is the first year that two teams from each district make the playoffs. The #1 teams from one district play the #2 teams from the next district, then the winning teams play in the sectional round.
O'Hara's victory over Pembroke Hill was our 5th straight win. Both teams entered the game with 6-2 records, and the Red Raiders were fresh off a 27-7 district opening victory over St. Pius X. The O'Hara defense started the game strong, forcing a three and out. A good O'Hara drive was cut short by a fumble at the Pembroke 5 yard line, but the defense again forced a three and out, and Pembroke had to punt from their endzone. This gave O'Hara great field position, starting at the Pembroke 32 yard line. The offense wasted no time making up for the earlier missed opportunity, and scored on the first play, a 32 yard pass from T. J. White to Aaron Stubblefield. A long Pembroke Hill drive ended at the O'Hara 19 yard line, and the first quarter score was 6-0.
The Celtics then did most of our damage in the second quarter, scoring on all three possessions. This has become a pattern for O'Hara, as we have scored at least three 2nd quarter touchdowns the each of the last four games. James Tillman ended two of the drives with short touchdown runs around the left end, with a 27 yard touchdown reception by Joe Pepple sandwiched in between. After the first extra point was blocked, a two point conversion reception by Danny Hernadez got the point back. Bryce Scovill made the other two PATs, and O'Hara led 28-0 at the half.
O'Hara received the 2nd half kickoff, and put together a long, time consuming drive. After eating up nearly half of the 3rd quarter, Tillman capped the drive with a 4 yard run, his 3rd touchdown of the game. The extra point was wide right, and prevented the running clock that comes with a 35 point 2nd half lead. Days of rain had left the field sloppy and wet, and there were not many highlights the rest of the way. Pembroke scored a 4th quarter touchdown following an O'Hara fumble, then recovered the ensuing onside kick, but an interception by Hernandez ended their late threat.
T. J. White completed 8 of 10 passes for 159 yards and 2 TDs. He broke another school passing record, most career completions with 132, breaking Joe Holder's mark of 126, set from 1976-78. The only two passing records he does not have are now in reach - completions for a season (77), and touchdowns for a season (15), both set by Rayn McNamara in 1998. He needs 5 more completions, and 2 more touchdowns. Tillman led the rushing attack with 96 yards, moving him into 8th place in career rushing with 1,532 yards. Pepple had 3 receptions for 88 yards. He is already O'Hara's all time leading receiver with 63 catches. Hernandez is now 4th in career receptions with 37, tying him with head coach Jim DeMarea, who played at O'Hara from 1969-1972. Pepple and Hernandez are tied with 24 receptions for the season.
Defensively, the Celtics were led in tackles by Alex Rogers, Jake Robinson, and Joey Tucker. Chuck Preston recovered a fumble, and Hernandez had an interception.
Before the game the 7 Seniors were recognized with their parents on Senior night, their last regular season game at O'Hara. Those Seniors are kicker Bryce Scovill, halfback Donnie Criswell, cornerback Alex Rogers, tight end and defensive end Joe Pepple, safety Joey Tucker, split end and cornerback Danny Hernandez, and defensive lineman and punter Larry Liggett.
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