Oak Hall Claims SSAA Class 3A Championship in Hard-Fought Victory Over Cambridge Christian
OVIEDO, FL – Oak hall School secured the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) Class 3A Championship on Saturday, defeating Cambridge Christian 28-21 in a contest that showcased the Eagles’ versatility and resilience. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Gainesville school, often overshadowed by larger programs in the area.
The championship game demanded a different approach than Oak Hall’s recent 51-34 offensive showcase against Oviedo. Cambridge Christian boasted a potent attack led by 1,500-yard rusher Elijah LeGrande and 1,000-yard receiver Jackson Langston. Oak Hall Head Coach Brian Fuhr recognized the need to contain these key players.
“We knew they were going to come to LeGrande real hard, so we knew we had to key him,” linebacker Jayden Medley said. “We weren’t worried about anyone else.”
However, it was Oak Hall’s two-way star, Jalen Peera, who proved pivotal. Initially recruited as a running back, Peera’s impact extended to the defensive side, excelling at middle linebacker and ultimately helping to close out the game with a bruising running style that wore down the Cambridge Christian defense.
“He told me, ‘I need a running back. I need you. Let’s get to work,'” Peera recounted of his conversation with coaches. “Whenever I cut to the outside, and I got open ground, I was like, ‘Oh shoot, I got to go. I got positive yards.'”
The eagles entered the season with a “Why not us?” mantra, according to Fuhr, a rallying cry that fueled their championship run. Oak Hall has historically been recognized for it’s academic excellence, and this win demonstrates the school’s commitment to athletic achievement.
“We have proven that we can play great athletics across the board and still have everything that comes with being a great academic school,” Fuhr said. “hopefully people will realize now, too, that we play pretty decent football.”
For Peera, the victory was notably meaningful, fueled by a desire to prove doubters wrong. ”I used the hating as fuel for me to grind my heart out,” he said.