**ARTICLE BY SEAN MASSA**
Oakridge and Sparta started off their seasons with a headline matchup. Though the final score may indicate otherwise, this game was rather one-sided.
Oakridge got on the board first with a 5-yard touchdown run by Brian Elizondo. A failed conversion left the score 6-0 after the first quarter of play.
The Eagles kept their foot on the gas, adding two more touchdowns in the second quarter, both courtesy of Quarterback Matt Danicek. He used his legs on a quarterback keeper, and Evan Miller found himself on the receiving end of the other score to make the game 22-0.
Sparta would answer before the half, as Nic Gordon delivered a 15-yard TD pass to Brandon Mitchell. This brought the score to 22-7 at halftime.
In the second half, the teams traded scores. Nic Gordon would pair up with Jamari Everett for a Sparta touchdown. On the Oakridge side of the ball, Matt Danicek and Evan Miller paired up for a second time. As a result, the final margin would remain nearly the same. Oakridge begins the year at 1-0 with their 30-14 victory over the Spartans.
Matt Danicek was efficient, finishing 14/18 with 208 yards and two scores for Oakridge. He also added 82 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Trevor Jones had 16 carries for the Eagles as well, turning those into 62 yards. Evan Miller led Oakridge with six catches, but his 60 yards fell short of Ty Maitland. Maitland paced the group with 67 yards on just four snags.
Sparta’s Nic Gordon finished 12/24 passing for 171 yards. Gordon threw for two scores, but also threw two interceptions. Jamari Everett led the Spartans in rushing (24) and receiving (49) yards. Jayden Cochrane matched Everett in receiving yards, with 49 on his three catches.
Next week, Oakridge will face Muskegon Catholic Central. Sparta will look for their first victory when they take on Coopersville.
