Oakmont picks up first win, beats River Valley, 40-12

Cory Wilson could take a big sigh of relief last Friday night and probably slept like a baby after picking up his first varsity win as a head coach after Oakmont's football team defeated River Valley 40-12. After losing their first two games by three touchdowns apiece to Bella Vista (Division 2) and Roseville (Division 3), the Vikings played a team closer to their level in Division 5, as River Valley, a Division IV school, is playing an independent schedule this season. It made a big difference. "No. 1, we were able to establish a run game, which is huge for us," Wilson said. "We have the weapons, but it's been hard to get them going. When we got the ball moving on the ground that opened up other things. The offense was able to work how it's designed, which is to be more balanced. "The defense also played well We got bullied up front a few times, but we matched up better with River Valley and we played well." David Wilson rushed for 183 yards on only 10 carries and scored two touchdowns for the Vikings. Ocean Munoz caught five passes for 105 passes, including a 70-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Nico Smith. Munoz appeared to open the scoring with a 72-yard punt return, but Oakmont was flagged for a block in the back. On the first play from scrimmage, Wilson busted a 71-yard run down to the 9-yard line. Three plays later, he scored on a five-yard run to give Oakmont a lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Just past the midway point of the second quarter, Wilson scored again on a 10-yard run, as the Vikings took a 14-0 lead. River Valley then scored its first of two touchdowns to cut into Oakmont's lead, but the Vikings managed one more score before half when Marquez Vasquez booted a 40-yard field goal as time expired to put the Vikings up 17-6 at halftime. Vasquez kicked a 22-yard field goal to start the scoring in the second half. Cody Conley intercepted a pass and returned it more than 60 yards to the River Valley 11-yard line, leading to 16-yard touchdown run from quarterback Elijah Stevens, as Oakmont led 26-6 after three quarters. The Vikings tacked on two more scores in the fourth quarter, including a pick six by Malachi Alexander. "We really needed this win and we needed to build some momentum heading into league play," Wilson said. "I'm happy that we were able to execute and we can roll into league with some confidence and momentum. Heading into our game at Colfax, I hope we come out to play and can just execute."