Whitehaven shut out in Class 6A title game

COOKEVILLE — Last week, Whitehaven put up 33 points in just the second half. But on Thursday, the Tigers were held scoreless, as Oakland claimed the Class 6A BlueCross Bowl 37-0.

Oakland's defense set the tone early, forcing three consecutive Whitehaven three-and-outs and six straight punts. The Patriots limited the Tigers to 81 yards of total offense and three first downs.

Keyshawn Harris threw for 28 yards on 7-of-23 passing with an interception. The Tigers had three rushers (Harris, Marcus Taylor, and Cameron Sneed) combine for 57 rushing yards. Whitehaven also fumbled twice and lost one of them.

"They play a kind of umbrella defense to try to contain you," Whitehaven coach Rodney Saulsberry said. "We had some opportunities to get things done, but we just didn't make it happen. That's the biggest thing. We told the guys you have to take advantage of opportunities."

"They try to keep you from hitting the home run and you have to be patient, take the small things and keep working it. We have to make sure we stay the course and we didn't do a good job of staying the course throughout it."

The Patriots' defense gave up 17 points in five total playoff games. The Oakland defense posted playoff shutouts of Hendersonville, Maryville and Whitehaven.

The Tigers were shut out for the first time since 2010. The closest Whitehaven came to scoring was when Tyler Hunter picked up a fumble and ran it back into the end zone. But Oakland retained possession because officials ruled the Patriots player was down before he fumbled.

"That was a big point in the game. It was 17-0. If we score that ball, its 17-7 and things get a lot tighter. It could have made a difference, but overall we've still got to make plays," Saulsberry said.

Oakland running back Xavier Myers rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries to secure the BlueCross Bowl MVP award.