Farragut football gives Oak Ridge first shutout in 24 years

Braden Collins’ return at wide receiver sparked Farragut to one of its most impressive wins ever against old rival Oak Ridge Friday night.

Collins, who sat out the last two games after suffering an ankle injury in Farragut’s season opener against Bradley Central, caught nine passes for 166 yards and a touchdown as the host Admirals blanked Oak Ridge, 41-0.

It marked the first time since 1993 (Riverdale) that Oak Ridge failed to score in a game.

Collins hauled in a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gavin Wilkinson with 15.7 seconds to play in the second quarter that sent Farragut to the half with a 14-0 lead — and the momentum.

He turned a short pass from Wilkinson into a 70-yard reception early in the third quarter to help break the game open.

“Gosh he made some plays,” said Admirals coach Eddie Courtney.

Oak Ridge coach Joe Gaddis said Collins, who has offers from Vanderbilt, Indiana and Virginia, takes Farragut (4-0) to an elite level.

“He’s a great football player, for sure,” said Gaddis.

“He’s a welcome addition for them. They’re at a whole nother level with him.”

Wilkinson, a sophomore, solidified his grasp on the starting quarterback position.

He had 263 yards on 17-for-26 passing.

Junior running back Kyle Carter (16 carries, 83 yards) scored on runs of 19 and 7 yards for the Admirals, who are ranked No. 6 in the state in Class 6A.

Farragut racked up 472 yards while holding Oak Ridge (2-2) to 228. 

The Wildcats are ranked sixth in Class 5A.

“Offensively, we just didn’t execute as good as we need to beat a team like Farragut,” said Gaddis.

“We had lost opportunities on offense, fumbling twice inside their 15.”

The Wildcats drove deep into Farragut territory on their opening drive before turning the ball over at the Farragut 11 on a fumble by quarterback Johnny Stewart.

Courtney said it was one of the most complete team wins by the Admirals in recent memory.

“The thing I’m most proud of was the way we played as a team,” he said.

“It was a great effort by our football team. They played as a team and played unselfish.”

Mike Blackerby is a freelance contributor