In what amounted to a playoff game, more accurately a play-in game, Oakton roared out to a 21-3 lead early, led 21-10 at halftime, and came away with the win and a playoff spot following a very hard fought second half. In truth, it was only a pair of second half turnovers by Oakton, an interception inside the Herndon 10 and a fumble at about their own 30 (after Herndon had cut the lead to 21-16) that allowed the Hornets to stay in the game. That, and the impressive arm of Herndon quarterback, Ryan McLaughlin who, when he wasn't being harassed and sacked by a very strong Cougar pass rush, hit on some terrifically thrown balls - two of them touchdown strikes to Connor Johnson. In the first half, two of the Oakton touchdowns followed Matt Prosser kickoff returns. On the opening kick, Prosser returned it to the Oakton 40 and about ten plays later, a Sal Tutone touchdown run from 24 yards out gave the Cougars a quick early lead. Tutone capped off a second strong Oakton drive with a short rush and, following a Herndon field goal, David Allely ran it in for a third Oakton score. That one was set up by the second Prosser runback, this one all the way to the Herndon 4. Allely and Collin Banks ran effectively for the Cougars all night and both had very strong games on both sides of the ball. Allely had probably the most memorable play of the night, a relentless, driving, never say die run, with Allely bulling forward and moving the pile an additional 6,7,8 yards after being swarmed and surrounded by Herndon defenders. The play gave Oakton a critical first down in the game's final minute and a half and sealed the win. It was a Cougar drive that started on their one yard line (if that) after a Herndon punt was downed just short of the goal line with about 4 minutes remaining. Oakton closes the regular season at 5-5; Herndon closes at 4-6.
