By Allan Taylor
Correspondent
Long after homestanding Ooltewah’s players and fans had spilled out of the stadium, the Cleveland Blue Raiders remained at midfield.
Their first district title in seven years was a moment worth savoring and celebrating.
After rallying from an early two-touchdown deficit, Cleveland won it 27-21 in overtime on JaMarcus Mobley’s 3-yard touchdown run. Coupled with Rhea County’s win over Soddy-Daisy, the Blue Raiders (6-3, 5-0) clinched the District 5-AAA crown with a week left in the regular season.
“We were happy to hear about Rhea County winning, but tonight was all about our character,” said Cleveland’s junior quarterback Chad Voytik, who threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns in regulation. “Getting down 14-0 was tough, but we knew we could come through the adversity. The last time Cleveland won a district title was 2003, so we’re all happy to be a part of this.”
On the opposing side, Ooltewah (3-6, 1-4) sank deeper in the standings despite standout rushing performances from quarterback Goose Manning (133 yards on 20 carries) and tailback Randall Freeman (120 yards on 20 carries).
Manning made several dazzling runs out of the spread attack, but his last rush went for minus-20 yards as he chased a high shotgun snap after the Owls took the ball first in overtime. That big loss left Callum Wishart to attempt a career-long 44 yard field goal that came up short.
“The snap was high, but maybe I could have caught it,” Manning said. “It’s just one of those tough things that happens.”
Cleveland didn’t have to settle for a field goal on its overtime series, thanks to Mobley scoring on his second carry. He closed the night with 67 yards on 25 carries.
“Cleveland is so athletic and tough, so I’m still proud of the way we battled tonight,” Manning said. “They’re a good team and they’re going to go deep in the playoffs.”
Cleveland trailed 14-0 late in the opening period when Voytik lunged for a first down on fourth-and-1 at the Owls’ 35. A play later, he backpedaled under pressure but lofted a perfect 34-yard pass that B.J. Davis hauled in at the 1, setting up Cleveland’s first score.
Later in the second quarter, Voytik beat the blitz again. The junior threw off his back foot but delivered a high-arching pass that Jeremy Simpson grabbed over tight double-coverage along the sideline. Simpson swerved inside the defenders and raced in for a 47-yard score that tied the game.
“I just had to put it up there and trust my receivers,” said Voytik, who was 14-of-23 with an interception. “Simpson made a great play on that one, and he really came through with a great game.”
Simpson added a 15-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter to put Cleveland ahead 21-14. The senior receiver finished with five catches for 133 yards.
Ooltewah drew even midway through the fourth quarter on Manning’s 7-yard touchdown run, which was set up by the quarterback’s 34-yard scamper.
Freeman stunned Cleveland on Ooltewah’s second play, cutting back over the right side for a 60-yard touchdown run.
Manning darted through the same gap on the Owls’ second series, ripping off a 56-yard keeper to the Cleveland 1. Manning squeezed in two plays later and Ooltewah led 14-0.
Contact Allan Taylor at sports@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6273.