West Ouachita Named GeauxPreps Football Team of the Week
by Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
The West Ouachita Chiefs showcased grit and determination in their hard-fought 29-28 victory over Sterlington, earning them the GeauxPreps.com Team of the Week honor.
In a game marked by relentless back-and-forth action, the Chiefs fought hard from start to finish, securing a dramatic win with just two minutes left on the clock.
The Chiefs came out firing early, with quarterback Sam Ozark connecting with wide receiver Kaden Miller for a 39-yard pass. West Ouachita turned back to their ground game, where running back C.J. Barr punched in a 12-yard touchdown to give the Chiefs an early lead. Sterlington responded quickly with a score of their own, tying the game at 7-7.
Undeterred, Ozark and the Chiefs went back to work. Ozark capped off a drive with a short touchdown run to regain the lead for West Ouachita. The game continued to swing like a pendulum as Sterlington matched the Chiefs, tying the game again at 21-21.
The game’s pivotal moment came when Sterlington intercepted an Ozark pass, returning it for a pick-six to take a 28-21 lead.
But Ozark, showing resilience, would not be denied. With time winding down, he led the Chiefs down the field and found the end zone once more on a short rush, his third touchdown of the night.
Chiefs head coach Mike Rainwater opted for a bold two-point conversion attempt.
Running back Marlon Owens Jr. delivered, barreling his way into the end zone to give West Ouachita a 29-28 lead with just two minutes remaining. The Chiefs got the stop they needed to head home victorious.
Ozark led the way rushing for 22 yards and three touchdowns on eight carries while completing three-of-four passes for 84 yards. C.J. Barr anchored the ground game with 67 rushing yards on 13 carries, and Owens added 64 yards on 15 rushes, including the game-winning two-point conversion.
West Ouachita improves to 4-0 on the season and earns well-deserved recognition as the GeauxPreps Team of the Week.