By Shawn White
(Under the Radar NWLA)
The Homer Pelicans (9-3) continued on their quest for a third consecutive trip to the state championship with a 34-32 win over the Oakdale Warriors (8-4). The road became a little bumpy as the Pels had to overcome a 20-point run by the Warriors and make a last-minute play to save the win.
Quarterback Zyan Warren had a hand in three Pelican touchdowns. Warren was 7 for 13 for 138 yards passing and tossed a touchdown. Warren also had 10 carries for 81 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Spencer Dunn was a main target for Warren with 101 yards in reception and a touchdown. Raymond Castro and Andrevious Buggs each reached the end zone once.
Katrevick Banks kept the defense rolling with 10 tackles (8 solo, 4 assists).
Jermaurion Pickens scored first for the Pelicans. Oakdale matched the touchdown but failed on the 2-point conversion. Warren took the quarterback keeper to the house. Homer led 13-6 at the end of the first quarter.
Fortune continued to shine on the Pels as Andrevious Buggs reached the end zone. Warren connected Dunn to seemingly give Homer a sense of control at 26-6. With 23 seconds remaining, the Warriors scored and closed the gap to 26-12 at halftime.
The momentum continued into the third quarter for Oakdale with another touchdown and Homer remained in the lead at 26-18.
The Warrior caught the Pels with less than three minutes remaining at 26-26. Warren made another trip to the end zone to give Homer back the lead at 34-26 with 1:25 remaining. Oakdale had an answer with 4 seconds remaining. The Warriors went for the 2-point conversion and Homer intercepted to save the win.
Homer will be on the road in the quarterfinals as they will head to No. 2 Kentwood (9-2) next Friday.