A 24-7 loss to Elbert County in the first round of the Class A Division I playoffs Friday night ended the Patriots’ hopes of a postseason run. But for the nine seniors who endured the heartache of an 0-10 season in 2024, this year’s playoff appearance felt like retribution.
“It’s been a special year,” coach Michael Holland said. “These seniors, they’ve been the backbone of everything we’ve done. To come from where we were last year and accomplish what they did this season, they should be proud of everything they’ve done.”
The Patriots’ offense, which propelled a late-season surge, struggled to get going against the Blue Devils.
Elbert County (5-6) neutralized Oglethorpe County’s ground game. The Patriots, who finished 6-5, were limited to 47 rushing yards, with senior running back Paris Crowder leading the way with 28 yards on eight carries.
“We couldn’t get going,” Holland said. “Their defense was tough. We knew we wouldn’t be able to get to the perimeter, so we tried to run inside, but their linebackers are really good. They’re an athletic, physical team, and we just couldn’t find any success.”
OCHS' lone touchdown came in the second quarter when Crowder skyed to catch a 67-yard pass from quarterback Caden Hartrum.
Elbert County responded quickly, though, with a 37-yard touchdown run, putting the Blue Devils ahead 10-7 heading into the locker room.
The Blue Devils extended their lead in the second half, scoring on a 24-yard touchdown pass and then a 15-yard touchdown run to put the game away.
Despite the loss, Holland’s perspective remained on the bigger picture.
“The key to our success this year was chemistry,” he said. “The kids really bought into what we were doing. The whole team came together in a way we hadn’t seen in a long time, and that’s what got us here.”
Several key players could return next year. The group includes the team’s leading rushers: Jackson Tatum (622 yards, five touchdowns), Crowder (566 yards, seven touchdowns) and Zion Pass (419 yards, two touchdowns).
Tatum was also second on the team with 66 tackles.
Holland’s pride in his team was clear.
“They’ve been a special group to me,” he said. “They’ve come so far from where we started, and I’m just really proud of them. They have nothing to hang their heads about.”