From the get-go, Oak Hills (1-0) dominated the Walnut defense regardless if it was first or fourth down. The Highlanders scored on their first drive of the day when their junior running back Matt Elliott took his sweep to the right on fourth-and-one 24yds to the house.

Walnut Hill’s (0-1) response: a medley of unproductive rushing attempts, sacks, fumbles, and off-target passes. With a minute remaining in the first half and already trailing by 13, the Eagles brought in senior quarterback Jake Desch to replace the shell-shocked Kevin Blount.

After over-throwing a receiver on his first attempt, Desch’s next pass was well short and picked off. The next play, the Highlanders had a dump pass to Elliott go for 37 yards and yet another Highlander touchdown.

The game slowly meandered for the Eagles, who gave up another touchdown in the second half. Ultimately, Walnut never really was able to establish any sort of rhythm throughout the game, which the scoreboard reiterated the scoreboard reiterated it.

Whether it was running, passing, or special teams, Walnut Hills was out-performed in every way. Although it is too early to write this season off, a lot will have to be improved if this team wants another appearance in the state playoffs.

On the other side of the field, this game could possibly mark the beginning of a new chapter for Highlander football. For the first time in seven appearances, Oak Hills was able to walk out of a Crosstown Showdown game with a victory.

Walnut Hills travels to Western Hills while Oak Hills hosts Harrison in Week 2 action next Friday night.