Oakdale stays unbeaten with 35-7 win at Linganore

Oakdale’s offense delivered the response it wanted Friday, helping the Bears remain unbeaten with a 35-7 road victory over Linganore.

The win moved Oakdale to 6-0 and reversed the outcome of last season’s Class 3A state championship matchup, which Linganore won decisively, The Frederick News-Post reports.

After a turnover-filled offensive performance against Urbana the previous week, the Bears scored on three of their first four possessions against the Lancers.

Junior quarterback Dylan Ohm opened the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown run, getting around the right side and diving into the end zone. On Oakdale’s next possession, with the Bears backed up inside their own 10-yard line, he connected with tight end Graydon Beaver for an 82-yard gain.

That play set up a 1-yard touchdown run by senior Shemiah Hill. Later, following an interception, Oakdale drove 44 yards in six plays, with Hill finishing from 4 yards out to make it 20-0 with 3:36 remaining in the first half.

Hill finished with 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Coach Kurt Stein credited the team’s preparation and execution, including its blocking and ability to finish runs.

Ohm’s mobility gave the offense another option. Coaches had encouraged the first-year starting quarterback to run when receivers were covered, and he took advantage in the third quarter, finding open space for an untouched 29-yard touchdown.

The Bears still had a first-half mistake when a snap struck a player in motion and resulted in a lost fumble. But the early scoring drives put Oakdale in control.

Ohm, who also handles kicking and punting, told the newspaper that teammates and challenging practices have helped him adjust to the varsity quarterback role. Against Linganore, that progress showed through both the air and on the ground.