Millwood turns back Marlow in 2OT thriller

Friday night’s OSSAA 2A-1 state semifinal matchup featuring Millwood and Marlow was just what many expected, a hard-hitting game that wasn’t decided until a second overtime period when the Falcons pulled out a 36-34 victory.

It marked the second straight season that the feisty Outlaws took one of the state’s best teams to the limit before losing a heartbreaker. Last year the Outlaws scored late to lead Heritage Hall but led by OU signee Andy Bass, the Crusaders drove downfield and kicked a game-winning field goal on the final play of the game.

Marlow head coach Matt Weber after the game said that down-to-the-wire games like these always hurt to lose, and this far in the playoffs, it doesn’t sit right.

“We’ve set a very high standard at Marlow where unless you win that last [game] it doesn’t feel good,” said Weber.

Marlow began the first overtime with possession but struggled to capitalize, managing two carries followed by two incomplete passes. When Millwood took over, they faced a similar fate, with two carries and a crucial interception in the end zone by Marlow quarterback and safety Blayd Harris, which forced the game into double overtime.

Millwood started the second overtime with a focused ground attack. On third down from the 1-yard line, running back Cameron Carter powered through the Marlow defense with an impressive hurdle over Marlow’s linemen to score. The Falcons then added a crucial two-point conversion on a quarterback carry by Anthony Keys to extend their lead to 36-28.

Now down eight, Marlow’s offense would need to tie to continue. On the first carry of the drive, the Outlaws would reach the endzone on a strong carry from Hudson Morgan. That set the stage for the two-point conversion with all options on the table. Harris dropped back to pass under a big rush and while looking for a receiver in the endzone, the pass would fall short leading to an interception ending the game.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Weber commended his team’s effort. “I’m super proud of them; we’ve got a lot of fighters. Our kids play extremely hard, and they’ll look back and have good memories from this year,” he said.

Marlow entered the second half with a 21-12 lead, but Millwood quickly seized momentum. Early in the third quarter, the Falcons forced a fourth down deep in Marlow territory and a high snap on an attempted punt led to a safety, awarding Millwood two points and possession after a free kick. The Falcons capitalized on the ensuing drive, finding the end zone and cutting Marlow’s lead to 21-20.

As the fourth quarter began, Marlow’s offense worked to maintain control. The Outlaws held possession on their opponent’s 45-yard line with Harris and Morgan keeping the ball moving downfield. With 7:32 left on the clock, Marlow strolled into the endzone to extend their lead once again at 28-20.

However, Millwood refused to go quietly. The Falcons faced fourth down twice on their next drive and converted both times, including a crucial 15-yard pass and another play from the 15-yard line. They ultimately scored from six yards out and completed their first successful two-point conversion of the game to tie it at 28-28, a score that held until the end of regulation.

For the Outlaws, Morgan had an outstanding performance, scoring each of the team’s touchdowns and running for 180 yards on the day.

“We had a couple mental mistakes on special teams…but our guys hung in there,” said Weber. “You’ve got to tip your hat to Millwood for making more plays down the stretch than we did.”