Henderson tops Oxford in back-and-forth opener

EAST NOTTINGHAM >> In past seasons, Oxford and West Chester Henderson didn’t see each other in football. But since both programs formerly had Solanco on the schedule, and the Mules were unavailable this year thanks to a scheduling snafu in its own conference, the Hornets and Wariors decided to go at it in week one.

It proved to be a good choice, as the two battled a tight game for much of the way, with only a 31-yard field goal from Bryce McElhiney spelling the difference in a 24-21 road win for Henderson.

“We are two teams trying to rebound from a down season,” said Warriors coach Steve Mitten. “(Oxford coach) Mike Means has done a heckuva a job with those guys over there, and they are a much improved team. We made some mistakes, mistakes that might have cost us, but we saw some good things today, too, and it’s great to get a win.”

The score was knotted at 21-21 at the end of the first half. Oxford struck first, scoring on its opening drive of the game, capping it with a 4-yard run from Tim Davis. Henderson answered back with its own TD in the first, a 24-yard jaunt from CJ Preston. Preston led all rushers with 101 yards on 17 carries. He also caught a pass for a TD.

“We knew coming off a tough season like we did last year, we just had to come here and handle business,” said Preston. “The offensive line did a great job for us all night. I just had to hit the holes. And big thanks go to our kicker. Without Ryan, we don’t win this game.”

Oxford got its three scores in the first half on runs from Tim Davis (12 carries, 60 yards, two TDs) and quarterback Chandler England.  England, who is following the Oxford record-holder in just about every passing stat, finished the night completing 16 of 21 for 153 yards.

“Chandler was our JV quarterback last season, and saw no varsity time,” said Means. “He has improved from year to year like almost no one I’ve ever seen.”

While it was a wild first half, the second half was controlled by the defenses. Both teams saw opportunities deep in opposing territory come up empty for points.

Midway through the fourth, the Warriors moved the ball well inside the red zone, but thanks to a sack and a couple penalties, Henderson was forced to try for the field goal, which McElhiney hit high and true from 31 yards out.

“I was definitely nervous,” said McElhiney. “But once I got my foot on the ball, I knew I made it. I was just hoping it would hold up, and we were all praying for Tyrese (Swift-Josey, who left the game injured).”

For Oxford, there were some definite bright spots, including the play of its offensive line.

“It’s basically the same group of guys we had last year, just bigger, stronger and playing so much better,” said Means. “We just made too many mistakes; too many stupid penalties at the wrong time. We’ll see what we can do to fix that, and get ready for a rival game next week with Avon Grove.”