Oxford Chargers Head to 5A State Football Championship

Oxford High School Football Team Travels to Jackson to Compete for State Title

Photo by Andy Knef

Oxford, Mississippi – Johnny Cash isn’t the only one singing about going to Jackson. The undefeated Oxford Chargers football team will be southbound on I-55 this Saturday, December 7 for their 5A state football championship appearance. At 7:30 p.m., they will face Picayune for the 5A state championship title in the Blue Cross Blue Shield 2013 Gridiron Classic at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.

“For the first time ever, our football team has set a school record winning 14 games in a row. This is an achievement that makes all of us proud,” Oxford High School Athletic Director and Chargers Head Football Coach Johnny Hill said. “I am extremely excited for this group; this is what we’ve worked all season to do.”

Tickets for the game are $12 each and can be purchased this week at the Oxford High School front office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at University Sporting Goods on the historic Oxford Square. Tickets purchased for Saturday’s game will allow ticket holders to catch other Saturday football championship match-ups between Class 3A Hazlehurst versus Louisville, Class 4A Forrest County versus Lafayette, and Class 5A Picayune versus Oxford.

Join the Oxford Chargers at the Game

Oxford Charger fans interested in making the trip to see the championship game first hand can do so. The Oxford Charger Athletic Booster Club will provide bus transportation with a direct trip (no stops) to and from the championship game. The cost of the trip is $20 per person and does not include the $12 ticket admission cost. Currently, up to 55 spots are available for adults and children to travel to Jackson.

“We highly encourage those interested in traveling on the fan bus to reserve their spot now,” said Mike McGee, Athletic Booster Club President. “We do have a limited number of seats, but will look at the possibility of a second bus if there is a demand.”

The team’s fan bus will depart at 4 p.m. in front of Oxford High School and return after the game. Those traveling on the bus will be able to eat at the championship game. To reserve a spot on the fan bus, contact Aleciean Mathis at (662) 801-8666, email littleangelms@bellsouth.net or contact Mike McGee at (662) 513-3374, emailmmcgee@gotoadvantage.com.

Support the Team

The community can show their support as the Oxford Chargers march toward the state championship game Saturday. A community send-off for the football team will be held Saturday at 1 p.m., in front of Oxford High School.  The public is invited to create a “path to victory” by wearing blue and gold and lining the sidewalks in front of the school no later than1 p.m. to cheer.

“Make and bring your very own signs of encouragement for the team, cheer from the sidewalks, or simply wish our Chargers well when they depart at 1:15 p.m.,” said Aleciean Mathis, a football parent and Athletic Booster Club Board member. “We want fans and community members alike to help us line the bus route the football team is taking out of town on their way to Jackson.”

There’s good news for fans who cannot make the trip to Jackson: the 5A championship game will air live on Mississippi Public Broadcasting (WMAV-DT, Channel 18 in the Oxford viewing area) and online at www.misshsaa.tv.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield 2013 Gridiron Classic includes the following championship lineup:

Friday, December 6

Class 1A: French Camp (10-5) vs. Smithville (11-3), 11 a.m.

Class 2A: Bassfield (14-1) vs. Calhoun City (11-3), 3 p.m.

Class 6A: Oak Grove (13-1) vs. Tupelo (13-1), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 7

Class 3A: Hazlehurst (14-1) vs. Louisville (15-0), 11 a.m.

Class 4A: Forrest County (12-2) vs. Lafayette (10-5), 3 p.m.

Class 5A: Picayune (11-2) vs. Oxford (14-0), 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the Oxford Chargers football team, visit www.oxfordsd.org/OHSFootball or call (662) 234-3541.

— Kelly Graber, Oxford School District