From tragedy to triumph

Del City dominates Tulsa Washington in return to action

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

After a tragic start to the season, Del City’s football team got a fresh start at home.

The Eagles (2-0) trounced Tulsa Booker T. Washington 48-0 last Thursday night in the home opener at Kalsu Stadium.

Players said they’ve leaned on each other during a difficult week and celebrated together on the field.

“Going through adversity that we had with that first game, it felt great just coming back home with my brothers and getting a dub,” said senior Ladanian Fields.

Senior quarterback River Warren agreed.

“It was a tough week, feel like we really bonded together,” he said. “We all rallied together and got the victory. It felt good for not only us, but the school and all kids involved.”

Mid-Del Schools enhanced security at the stadium with additional police officers. The district also rolled out its new weapon detection system that will be used at all football and basketball games and other large public events.

Coach Robert Jones thanked school officials for creating a safe environment.

“It’s a great feeling to get back to normalcy,” Jones said. “When you go through what we did last week, you want to get back on your routine. You want to get back out here. You want to get back in a stadium and feel comfortable to have a football game without an incident like that. It was a great game and well secured. The security measures and protocols by Mid-Del were great.”

Both schools were impacted by gun-related incidents the week before. A Midwest City High Schools student was killed, and two others were injured as the result of a shooting during a Del City – Choctaw game at Choctaw High School. During Booker T. Washington’s home opener, a student allegedly flashed a gun and later dropped it after fleeing the scene.

Jones said he’s been impressed with the way his players have responded to adversity.

“I told them to control the things that we can control,” he said. “We can’t control people coming in doing senseless acts. We can’t control people coming and messing with the fabric of Friday night football. All we can control is how we move forward and how we continue to hold ourselves through this time. And I think the guys did a great job of it.”

Del City responded to the tragedy with a brilliant showing against a traditional power in Tulsa Washington.

Cousins Ladanian and Rodney Fields both had huge nights for the Eagles.

Ladanian had six catches for 110 yards and one touchdown and scored on a punt return. When asked which touchdown felt better, Ladanian said “the punt return for sure.”

“When I saw a hole I’m going for it and took it to the crib,” Ladanian said.

Rodney Fields caused fits for the Hornets defense. He rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. His longest run was a 42-yard burst in which he carried a defender on his back for the final 17 yards.

Senior quarterback River Warren was nearly flawless as he completed 20 for 23 passes for 208 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

Braylen Walker finished with six catches for 41 yards and one score. Shayden Green also had a touchdown catch as he scored on a 57-yard play.

Dmarion Turner rounded out the scoring with a 47-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Del City came up empty in their first possession of the game, but found the end zone on their next three. Warren connected with Ladanian Fields and Walker in the first quarter and Rodney Fields scored from one yard out for a 21-0 lead.

The Eagles got the ball back on an interception by Turner but gave it back when Warren was picked off near midfield. Ladanian Fields helped wipe away the miscue with a 55-yard punt return.

Del City led 27-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Del City added three more scores. Rodney Fields scored on a short run. Green followed with a 57-yard touchdown catch and run, and Turner scored on a 47-yard touchdown run.

Del City is back at home Thursday night as they host Midwest City (0-1). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.