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By: Dylan Frazier
Twitter: @dylanfrazier44
After a tough loss against Ohio Dominican, Coach Keys and the rest of the Oilers wanted to bounce back. Keys stressed to the team to keep going and move forward. More specifically he stressed that a fast start in the first half is something that he wanted to do in the Homecoming game against Alderson Broaddus.
“Last year [against Alderson Broaddus], it was a close game, we were down 14-0 to them. Our first half was not really good against them. So, we need to have a fast start, I know against Northwood, we went out guns-a-blazing [Oilers went up 31-7 in the first half that game],” said Keys. “We need to do that against AB.”
The Oilers did just that last Saturday, Sept. 28, going up 47-7 at halftime. They had 40 points before Alderson Broaddus scored, it set the tone for the rest of the game. It made for a very exciting Homecoming for Keys and the rest of the Oilers.
To Keys and the rest of the team, the homecoming game is just another game on the schedule. However, Keys knows that with all the parents and the alumni in the stands for the Homecoming festivities, it makes the game mean just a little more.
“I always tell our team, you’re not playing for just the 100 guys on the current 2019 team, you’re playing for everybody that’s ever worn orange and black,” said Keys. “
Keys does feel a sense of pride knowing that all who have played for the Oilers become part of a family that you’ll never leave.
“Regardless of what you think, when you graduate, the first thing you’re gonna do on a Saturday is check to see if you won,” said Keys.
The alumni and all the parents in the stands surely had something to cheer for, as the Oilers completely dominated on all sides of the ball. With 620 total offensive yards, two forced turnovers, and 11 touchdowns, it was a complete and utter annihilation of Alderson Broaddus.
Keys does get a little reminiscent about when he was an assistant coach here from 2000-2005, saying he loves seeing all of the old guys back at the game.
“It’s great to see some of the guys and reminisce and talk about the same stories,” said Keys. “It’s great to see how those guys have become men and how they’ve grown up.”
Keys and the rest of the team hope to keep the positive momentum going, when the Oilers next play Kentucky Wesleyan at Donnell Field, Saturday at 7 p.m.
