Oconee County Secures Fourth Victory of Winning Streak, Tramples Ola 13-1

By: Holland Mowry

March 14, 2022

Watkinsville, GA — With two minutes left in the second quarter, Ola’s Asa Shaw threw his head back in frustration after the Mustangs threw away their first possession in over five minutes – a microcosm of the teams’ 13-1 defeat and inability to overcome the Warriors’ offensive wrath. 

Courtesy of the blow out, Oconee County accumulates its fourth straight victory and sixth of the season. Marked by high scores from junior Whit Weeks and senior Nick Knisely, the Warriors blew through the Mustangs with ease as they held onto possession like a python. Amidst the pairs’ first half offensive theatrics, Weeks contributed three points while Knisley had four. 

“We’re really proud of our guys,” head coach Ryan Smith reflected after the game, “we took care of business”. 

Oconee took care of business indeed, asserting a 12-point lead over a scoreless Ola by halftime and consequently fostering a running clock – allowing Oconee’s Junior Varsity to take the reins the entirety of the second half. Partly due to the newness of Ola’s program, the Mustang Varsity stayed on the field for the remainder of the game, showing improvement when tasked with the Warriors’ second-half finishers. Between possessions, Ola senior Asa Shaw put up the Mustangs’ first and only goal with 7:09 left in the fourth. 

When asked about the Warriors’ offensive dominance, Smith pointed towards the team’s face-off wins. “When you can possess the ball in lacrosse, it’s a big thing. It has a huge impact.” Smith said. “We have to try and find our opportunities where we can get them,” he continued, “and that starts off with our face-off guy”. In Oconee’s case, it was freshmen Nolan Smith and Churchill Harris who found those opportunities for possession in the circle; the pair went 10/17 on face off wins over the course of the game. 

Looking ahead, Ola will go on to face Trinity Christian on the road with hopes to strengthen their 0-4 record against the 7-1 Lions. The teams meet on Wednesday for the non-conference game. That same day Oconee County is set to play Evans High School; the Warriors are looking to build upon their winning 6-2 record and punch a fifth hole in their winning streak card.