ODA football starts 2023 season with shutout win

In 2022, The Out-of-Door Academy football team's rushing attack kept its defense rested and ready to go. 

In ODA's first game of 2023, against Berean Christian, it was the defense that gave the offense an easy time. 

The Thunder defense wreaked havoc on Berean Christian, forcing two turnovers and blocking a punt, and the ODA offense took advantage, scoring on all but two possessions in a 42-0 home win. The Thunder stymied the Bulldogs' offense all night, never letting Berean Christian cross midfield. Senior linebacker Charlie Tack had a pick six and senior linebacker Chase Taraska recovered a fumble. 

The performance was exactly what Tack and his teammates wanted. 

"This feels great," Tack said. "Week one, I think this is what everyone dreams. It sets the tone for the rest of the season. But at the same time, we're not going to take anyone lightly."

On offense, ODA looked just as efficient as it did in 2022, with sophomore Allen Clark taking the lead running back role. Clark had two touchdowns against Berean Christian, while sophomore Dylan Walker added one. Junior quarterback Jackson Roth, who transferred to the school from Ontario, Canada, thew a 22-yard touchdown to senior Jack Meyers and had a two-yard rushing touchdown. Roth also threw two interceptions. Despite those mistakes, ODA Head Coach Rob Hollway was encouraged by his quarterback's first game of football in America. 

"I'm sure he's upset about the interceptions, but that's what makes him great," Hollway said. "He's going to continue to improve. He wants to throw the ball a lot and he's going to get the opportunity to do that."

The Thunder could have scored more points, but Tack's pick six triggered a running clock with 3:30 remaining in the second quarter, and the teams agreed to end the game with 7:18 left in the fourth quarter. Hollway took his starters out of the game for the second half. 

ODA (1-0) will next face Oasis High (1-0) on Sept. 1. The Sharks beat Gateway Charter 38-0 on Aug. 24. Last season, ODA beat Oasis 51-29 at home.