Yellowjackets steamroll White Oak

Posted 12/31/69

After an uninspiring first quarter, the Mineola Yellowjackets righted the ship and dominated the visiting White Oak Roughnecks, 44-7. The victory was expected as the Roughnecks came into the game winless in three district games, while Mineola was coming off a season-defining win against Gladewater.

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Yellowjackets steamroll White Oak

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After an uninspiring first quarter, the Mineola Yellowjackets righted the ship and dominated the visiting White Oak Roughnecks, 44-7. The victory was expected as the Roughnecks came into the game winless in three district games, while Mineola was coming off a season-defining win against Gladewater. 

Once the Jackets started their offensive engine, it steadily produced all night. Mineola churned out 314 yards from scrimmage using a variety of running formations and angles to attack specific points along the Roughneck defensive front. The Jackets have become experts at probing and stretching opponent defenses. They present unusual looks and alter the presentation of the backfield to the defense.  It works. 

Defensively, Mineola put up a wall for all 48 minutes of play. Of eleven White Oak possessions, the Jacket defense forced six punts, two turnovers-on-downs, and one interception. 

Mineola scored on their first possession of the second quarter, moving 73 yards in 13 plays. Trevion Sneed toted the ball around the left end on a direct snap for the score. The drive was classic power-running Jacket football. 

After forcing another White Oak punt, the Jackets struck quickly. The five-play drive was highlighted by Dawson Pendergrass’ 72-yard run down the north sideline. Sneed again took the ball over the goal on a direct snap and Mineola led 14-0 at the half.

The sequence of Pendergrass and Sneed struck again on the Jackets first possession of the third quarter. Pendergrass’ 42-yard scamper set up a Sneed score to make the tally 21-0.

In their next series, the Jackets exploited a defensive alignment mistake by the Roughnecks, who had left the slot receiver uncovered. Quarterback Thomas Hooten calmly stepped back and hit Wiley Franks who sprinted 48 yards for the score. A high snap on the extra point attempt forced holder Rogers to bail out over his left shoulder and sprint to the end zone for 2 points. 

White Oak managed its first offensive drive late in the third quarter. Having driven to the Mineola 25–yard line, on a third-and-4, the Roughnecks attempted a short out route. Mineola cornerback Cole Castleberry had seen the play several times already on the night. He jumped the route, intercepted the ball in stride and outraced everyone for a 78-yard score. The lead ballooned to 36-0 going into the final stanza.

On their only truly negative series of the game, Mineola was backed up on their next possession near their own goal line. White Oak received great field position after a Jacket punt and drove 41 yards for a score.  The touchdown came on a fourth-and-goal, as the Roughneck quarterback found a receiver along the backline of the end zone. 

The Jackets added a score late behind the running of Pendergrass who scored on a slicing 25-yard run through the right side.  Once again Rogers fielded an errant snap and scored a 2-point conversion. This time, he sprinted directly around the left end.         

Sometimes it is not the headlining match-up which is the most difficult to prepare for. That may have been the case for the Yellowjackets and their slow start on the night. Yet, they persevered and came alive, as Jacket fans have come to expect. The reward was a big win and quality football. 

Coach Blackwell takes his squad to Liberty City Friday to face the district-leading Sabine Cardinals. The Cardinals are undefeated on the season, and have soared to the top of the district with solid defense and a machine-like offense.  The game will certainly impact the district championship.