Photo Credit: Todd Nugent/PC Preps Extra 
With the season on the line, Oak Park kept its cool and delivered when it mattered most.
The Northmen staged a spectacular comeback and scored the final three touchdowns of the game on the way to a 33-21 victory against Platte County in the district semifinals. With the win, Oak Park advanced to the Class 5 District 8 title game and a rematch against Fort Osage.
Oak Park quarterback Aiden Hinkle scored the go-ahead touchdown with seven minutes remaining, and then sophomore Travon Pankey provided an exclamation point with a 91-yard touchdown run that kept the Northmen’s phenomenal season going.
In a back-and-forth battle that took place in a frigid downpour, Oak Park coach Ken Clemens said he was glad to see his team maintain its composure and ultimately keep its season going strong.
“We might have made it harder than it needed to be, but in the end, the kids were just tough and physical and just kept playing,” Clemens said. “… There was a quarter and a half left, and we’re able to score in many different ways from anywhere on the field.
“We figured we had a chance still.”
Earlier this year, the Northmen (8-2) knocked off Platte County thanks to an impressive rushing performance, and Oak Park’s ground game set the tone in the rematch. The poor weather conditions contributed to a slow start for both teams, but Oak Park grabbed the lead thanks to rushing touchdowns from Marlon Gant, Jr. and Pankey in the second quarter.
Still, the Pirates (5-6) needed only a few big plays to get right back into the game.
Quarterback Dylan Zimmerman threw three touchdown passes – two to Chandavian Bradley and one to Dawsen Mizell – during a 21-0 run that put the Pirates in front. Bradley’s touchdown receptions went for 36 and 76 yards, respectively, while Mizell’s score gave Platte County its first lead midway through the third quarter.
But that’s when Oak Park’s defense dug its heels in. The Northmen didn’t allow a first down on Platte County’s next five drives, giving their punishing ground game every opportunity to retake the lead.
“I definitely didn’t think that we’d ever get down, but I knew that we always have a chance to bring ourselves back up,” Pankey said. “We have the mentality to continue driving at all times, and I knew that our team could lift ourselves back up.”
Hinkle scored two consecutive rushing touchdowns that put his team back in front, 27-21, with 7 minutes left in the game. And then Pankey effectively sealed the deal with a tackle-breaking, highlight-reel touchdown run that went for 91 yards.
The sophomore delivered an incredible effort with 220 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries to lead an Oak Park rushing attack that racked up 325 rushing yards. Hinkle also ran for 53 yards, while Gant went for 67 and an early touchdown, as well.
“You get to the line, break the tackle, and all I was thinking was, ‘Don’t get caught,’” Pankey said of his game-breaking play.
The Pirates quickly drove into Oak Park territory on the ensuing drive, but the Northmen forced a turnover on downs and ran the clock out by converting three more first downs – all on rushing plays.
In a game that featured seven combined turnovers, Oak Park forced five of them – three interceptions and two fumble recoveries – that often set the Northmen up with short fields and directly led to three touchdowns.
“They gave a great effort every time out,” Clemens said of his team’s defense. “We’re not perfect. But we’re really blessed, and we’re really grateful for the win. We love winning, and we’re glad the defense stood up and made some plays.”
For Platte County, both of Bradley’s receptions went for touchdowns and 112 receiving yards, while Zimmerman finished with 178 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also led the team with 30 rushing yards.
Thanks to the comeback victory, Oak Park advances to the district title game and a rematch against Fort Osage, which defeated the Northmen earlier this year, 35-30.
Following the win, Clemens praised his team for continuing to fight until the end and celebrated with an Oak Park community in the midst of its best season in years.
“It’s fun,” Clemens said. “We put in a lot of work, and it’s fun to keep going.”
