Owasso beats Edmund Memorial 37-14

OWASSO — The Owasso Rams enjoyed an Edmond Memorial turnover all night Friday, putting them 37-14 on the season at .500 and giving Owasso (4-4, 3-2) a three-game winning streak.

The Bulldogs (4-4, 3-2) gave the Rams a head start early in the game, setting them up at the 11-yard line. Senior quarterback Mason Willingham opened the scoring for the Rams on an 8-yard goalie.

Edmund Memorial second-year quarterback David McComb responded with a 19-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Tanner Wolf with 4:35 left in the first quarter to tie the game 7-7.

In the 2nd and 7th quarters, the Bulldogs defense allowed Willingham to lose two yards at the 11-yard line, ultimately leading to turnovers.

But Owasso sophomore corner Ryker Ogg stifled any momentum the stop might have given Edmond Memorial, picking McComb to Owasso at the four-yard line. Willingham scored quickly on the quarterback goalie and the Rams regained the lead 14-7.

Rams head coach Bill Blankenship praised his quarterback’s double-threat ability after the game.

“I think Mason was incredible. He let us go,” Blankenship said. “If there’s a better double threat guy around, I haven’t met him yet, but I’m glad he’s our guy.”

After the team traded possessions through a series of punts, the Bulldogs played again when McComb hit senior wide receiver Markell Johnson on a 3-yard touchdown pass to make it 14.

In the ensuing series, Willingham hit a 29-yard touchdown pass from senior wide receiver Anthony Hills with 42 points left in the second quarter for a 21-14 lead.

Willingham also celebrated the Rams’ winning streak.

“It didn’t go as planned from the start of the year, but it feels good to win all these games back-to-back. We celebrate as a team and we’re getting better every week,” Willingham said.

The Bulldogs threatened to close the deficit before halftime when running back Kiefer Mullins broke a 27-yard run and the Rams were called for a pass interference penalty. That set up a 46-yard field goal attempt, but it was blocked and the Rams led 21-14 at halftime.

The Bulldogs’ momentum never returned. Three penalties stopped the Edmund Memorial offense at the start of the second half, and they ended up turning the ball over at their 41-yard line.

After the Owasso punt, the Bulldogs took over their own 25-yard line but were closed. With 2:47 left in the third quarter, Owasso’s blocked punt gave the Rams a safety and a 23-14 lead.

They filled the lead when running back Tariek Johnson extended the lead to 30-14 with a 19-yard touchdown in the final minute of the third quarter.

Edmund lost McComb for the remainder of the game and he went down after gaining six yards. He was assisted off the field and medics checked him for concussion symptoms. Johnson and Ciaran Pedulla split quarterback duties for the Bulldogs to close out the game.

As the Rams tried to break time, Willingham broke for a 32-yard touchdown with 2:42 left to extend the lead to 37-14.

Hills spoke about the Rams’ winning streak after a rough start to the season.

“It’s been very difficult for us, but we’ve been guided by Coach B,” Hills said. “We’re getting hotter and we’ve played really well in those tough games. So if we keep improving, I think we can win the whole game.”

Owasso 37, Edmund Memorial 14

Edmund North;7;7;0;0;—;14

OWA – Willingham 8 points (Everett plays)

EM – Wolfe 19 pass from McComb (Ackerman)

OWA – Willingham 4 points (Everett plays)

EM – Johnson 3 McComb passes (played by Akerman)

OWA – Hills 29 Pass from Willingham (Everett kicks)

OWA – Hills 29 Pass from Willingham (Everett kicks)

OWA – Johnson 19 runs (Everett kicks)

OWA – Willingham 32 points (Caviness kick)

First Downs – EM 12, OWA 17; Rushes-Yards – EM 17-36, OWA 40-222; Comp-Att-Int – EM 17-34-1, OWA 12-18-0. Passing Yards – EM 221, OWA 103. Goals conceded – EM 4-1, OWA 0-0. Penalty Area – EM 9-79, OWA 8-80. Total code – EM 259, OWA 325. Ark – Average. – EM 1-25, OWA 2-33