OCA stops Crescent in overtime

The season of heartbreak continues for Crescent.

The Tigers erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter Friday, but couldn’t score in overtime while eventually falling 34- 28 to Oklahoma Christian Academy.

The loss was the fourth straight for the Tigers.

The last three have been by a combined nine points and have come down to a final possession. The first loss in this stretch - against Tonkawa - was a one-possession game deep into the fourth quarter.

Crescent is now 3-5 overall and 0-3 in District A-3. While mathematically still in the hunt for a playoff spot, the scenarios for the Tigers to reach the postseason are daunting.

A comeback against OCA also looked bleak as the Eagles twice led by two scores in the second half.

The second time came at 11:14 of the fourth quarter when Keshaun Prince scored on a 65-yard burst to give the visitors a 28-14 advantage.

But the Tigers quickly got back in it.

Luke Descher’s 14-yard touchdown run less than two minutes later pulled Crescent within 28-20.

Then, with 1:40 left, the Tigers’ Tanner Rice scored on a 5-yard scamper.

Still down two, Crescent was able to tie the game on Stone Fisher’s conversion run.

In overtime, Crescent had the ball first, but turned it over.

The Eagles made good on their chance as Antone Prince Jr. scored from 6 yards out for the game winner.

The teams went back and forth early.

After OCA took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, the Tigers got a 25-yard touchdown pass from Kade Varner to Ethan Ryans 18 seconds into the second.

A two-point pass from Varner to Neugent put Crescent up 8-7.

OCA answered just before halftime as Antone Prince earned a 1-yard touchdown run. That came with 1:22 to play in the half.

Antone Prince then made it 21-8 with another 1-yard plunge at 7:22 of the third quarter.

The Tigers were able to cut down that deficit when Rice busted loose for a 36- yard touchdown run.

The Tigers out-gained OCA 409-387.

Of that, 241 came on the ground.

Descher ran for 90 yards on 12 attempts and Rice 61 more on just four carries.

Varner added 55 yards rushing. He also threw for 168 yards on 11 of 21 passing.

Ryans had four catches for 76 yards.

Ian Lewis added three catches while C.J. Wilson and Rice had two apiece.

Antone Prince had 104 rushing yards for the Eagles while Keshaun Prince added 84.

Descher led the defense with 10 tackles and Tayon Johnson recorded nine.