Photo Credit: Todd Nugent/PC Preps Extra 
Oak Park used some big plays and a plethora of picks to keep its undefeated season going strong.
The Northmen snagged six interceptions, including three from junior Emanuel Kok, and held off a late charge from Platte County on the way to a 35-14 victory on Friday night.
While the Northmen struggled to find their groove at times, Oak Park coach Ken Clemens praised the defense – especially the secondary – for making so many outstanding plays on the way to another significant victory.
“I think they were challenged by coach (Charlie) Pugh to do something great tonight, and they prepared and were ready to go,” Clemens said. “They bailed us out on what is probably one of the worst nights of execution that we’ve had.
“The defense was the answer.”
Sure enough, Oak Park’s defense set the tone early when Kalil Gill returned a deflected pass 40 yards for a pick-six on the very first drive of the game, followed by an interception by Gidion Gakmar on the next drive.
Not to be outdone, the Northmen’s offense also displayed its big-play ability. Senior quarterback Aiden Hinkle connected with Evan Braxton on a 40-yard touchdown pass, and then Hinkle unleashed a 43-yard, highlight-reel touchdown scamper that put Oak Park in front 21-0 halfway through the second quarter.
But Platte County’s swarming defense prevented Oak Park from extending the lead any further, and Hinkle said those early, big plays proved to be significant.
“It was either big play or no play for us,” Hinkle said. “They were just stuffing us, but with our option game, there’s going to be one play that breaks.
“… In-game adjustments helped with our big plays.”
The Pirates (3-2) forced three turnovers of their own throughout the game and stayed within striking distance for much of the game thanks to a resilient second-half effort.
Trailing by three touchdowns, Platte County kept fighting and scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives to keep things close. Running back Adam Gisler and quarterback Rocco Marriott both notched rushing TDs to pull the Pirates within 28-14 midway through the fourth quarter.
And even though Platte County regained possession on the ensuing drive on a fumble recovery – with a chance to make it a one-score game – Oak Park’s defense immediately forced a turnover on downs to keep the Pirates at arm’s length.
In a game that featured nine combined turnovers, the Northmen came away with six of them – all interceptions – and Kok said the team’s preparation was the biggest factor.
“It was great coaching, all in the film room,” Kok said. “We already knew what was coming. We just had to execute.”
One of the metro’s leading rushers, Oak Park junior running back Travon Pankey was mostly held in check by Platte County, but he scored the game’s final touchdown in the final minutes to preserve the victory.
Oak Park’s defense also finished on a high note thanks to interceptions in its final two opportunities, including the last one from Michael Davis, Jr., to finish the game.
Though his team wasn’t firing on all cylinders, Hinkle said the Northmen’s relentless mentality helped them overcome an off night and finish the game strong with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter on the way to their fifth win.
“I think it was a mix of us keeping going relentless,” Hinkle said. “We know what we need to do. We needed to drain that clock and get down, but it was also a bit of fatigue on their side. It was a mood killer with those big touchdowns.”
