Oak Grove head coach Ryan Gregory praised the resilience of his squad after the Tigers edged Union Parish 28-26 on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Doc Elliott Stadium. The victory marks a significant milestone for the program in its return to Division IV nonselect, capping a season defined by perseverance against higher-caliber opponents. Gregory noted that the team has faced considerable adversity throughout the year, but the ability to withstand pressure in the final moments solidified their confidence heading into the postseason.
Tigers survive late scare with two goal-line stands to secure D-IV nonselect berth
The contest featured a dramatic finish where Union Parish scored late to force a game-tying two-point conversion attempt. Oak Grove’s defense responded with two critical goal-line stands, preventing the Farmers from equalizing the score. This defensive stand came just two weeks after a tough loss at Caldwell, demonstrating the Tigers’ capacity to bounce back from setbacks. The win against Union, a team that reached the D-III nonselect semifinals last fall, serves as a strong indicator of the Tigers’ competitive readiness for upcoming playoff challenges.
The 2026 season has been a learning curve for Oak Grove, which previously made back-to-back quarterfinals in D-III nonselect. Early-season struggles against Franklin Parish, Mangham, Sterlington, and Ouachita Christian tested the team’s limits, but the recent performance highlights their growth. By overcoming a tough opponent in a back-and-forth affair, the Tigers have established themselves as formidable contenders in the D-IV nonselect bracket, with the coaching staff expressing deep pride in the players’ ability to overcome obstacles and finish the job.
Source: Yahoo Sports
