by Jayce Osmus (@jayce_osmus)9/20/2021 9:28:27 AM
posted in: Game Summary | 799 views
Holland Hall showed why it won the 2020 Class 3A state championship and is among the favorites to do it again in 2021.
In a highly-anticipated matchup between top teams in their respective classes, the Holland Hall Dutch took down Metro Christian 37-7 last Friday night through stout defense and great run game.
The Dutch were led by senior running back Zane Woodham, who recorded just under 150 yards on the ground on 17 attempts. He also contributed three touchdowns, two of which came on their first couple of drives.
Holland Hall got the ball to start the game and set the tone early.
Woodham punched in an opening drive touchdown from eight yards out to take the lead just two minutes into the game. The PAT was no good and the Dutch led 6-0 after just six offensive plays.
After a quick three and out, the Dutch looked to extend their lead with 9:00 left in the first quarter. The Dutch offense converted a 33-yard trick play pass from Woodham to wide receiver Ethan Roush to land in the red zone.
Woodham would have another rush for a touchdown from 22 away to extend their lead by six more. The extra point by Magnus Lepak made the score 13-0 with a little over 8:00 left in the first quarter.
After back and forth punts by both teams, the Dutch got the ball at their 27 yard line with a little under nine minutes left in the first half.
Patriots defensive lineman Dempsey Gillam came up with a Woodham fumble.
Momentum seemingly shifted to the Patriots as they set up their possession at the Dutch 10, but Holland Hall’s defense was up for the quick change as it got a sack on the first play of the drive by Nick Jones.
An incomplete pass and penalty on second down set up a third-and-goal from the 30. A pass to Patriots wide receiver J.J. Shelby for 10 yards, and another for 18 left the Patriots just two yards short as the Dutch defense denied Metro on its best opportunity so far in the game.
Late in the first half, quarterback Kordell Gouldsby and the Dutch offense obtained the ball with 46 seconds left.
After a few run plays by Gouldsby and Woodham, the Dutch faced a 4th-and-1 at the Patriot 37.
Gouldsby took the snap and scrambled around defenders before launching a perfect pass to Roush for the 37-yard touchdown. After the extra-point by Lepak, Holland Hall led 20-0 at the half.
The start of the second half saw Metro Christian with the ball. A trick play was denied as Shelby was intercepted by defensive back NuNu Campbell.
On the ensuing drive, Gouldsby found Campbell, this time on offense, for a 22-yard reception.
Lepak finished off the drive with a 21-yard field goal attempt. Holland Hall led 23-0 with seven minutes left in the third quarter.
Quarterback Kirk Francis for Metro Christian shined in the Patriots’ next offensive possession.
Francis completed a play for 14 yards to Reid Roth, and runs for 20 yards throughout the drive.
A defensive passing interference set up a 19-yard touchdown throw to J.J. Shelby. Kicker Brayden Haveman executed the extra-point to cut the lead 16 points, 23-7.
The momentum was short lived, as the Holland Hall offense answered back with one minute remaining in the third quarter.
Woodham rushed for 42 yards all together on the drive and it was capped off by a Gouldsby touchdown run of three yards.
Lepak tacked on the extra-point to extend the Dutch lead, 30-7.
The fourth quarter was highlighted by a Woodham 54-yard touchdown run. The Dutch put the stamp on this game with 10 minutes left, leading the Patriots 37-7.
After a couple punts in the fourth quarter, defensive back Tre Carter of Holland Hall picked off Francis.
Holland Hall was able to run the clock out after this, giving the carries to backup running backs Justice Thompson and Bryce Stoller.
Holland Hall dominated the defending 2A state champions led by Woodham.
Gouldsby threw for 100 yards and ran for an additional 61, while his leading receiver Roush caught 74 yards worth of passes.
Gouldsby had two touchdowns, one on the ground and a passing one.
Woodham ran for 148 yards and had three touchdowns on the ground.
The Dutch defense was spectacular, getting five sacks and two interceptions. They regularly halted the Patriot offense on critical plays and drives and held the Patriot offense to minus-five yards.
Holland Hall enters district play as the favorite in District 3A-4. The Dutch are 3-0 on the year.
They will play at Mannford for Week 4.
Metro Christian falls to 2-1.
The Patriots are still the team to beat in 2A after winning the past two state championships.
There’s a big matchup for them in Week 6 as they will take on highly-ranked Beggs with possibly a district championship on the line.
Metro Christian will take on district opponent Okmulgee in Week 4.