Claremore senior Ayden Gaines etched his name into local football history Friday night, converting a season-long struggle into a decisive victory over longtime rival Collinsville. The Zebras defeated the Cardinals 26-21 to claim second place in District 5A-4, guaranteeing a home playoff game. This win marked Gaines’ first victory over Collinsville in his high school career, snapping a three-year losing streak where the Cardinals had outscored Oologah 124-31 in previous matchups.
Senior QB’s dual-threat performance secures District 5A-4 title and home playoff berth
Gaines delivered a historic performance, accounting for 153 total yards and two touchdowns in his debut as a starter. He opened his scoring column with his first pass of the season, which resulted in a touchdown. The momentum shifted dramatically on his first carry of the game, where Gaines unleashed a 68-yard rushing strike for another score. These two plays not only broke the game open but symbolized a new era for the Claremore offense, which had previously struggled to find consistency against the Cardinals.
The final seconds of the game provided the most significant milestone for Gaines, who had endured lopsided defeats during his three years at Oologah. By securing the win, Gaines and the Zebras erased the shadow of past failures, transforming a night of personal firsts into a team triumph. The victory cements Claremore’s playoff positioning and sets the stage for a postseason run fueled by Gaines’ newfound confidence and dual-threat capability.
Source: Yahoo Sports
