Oxford Ends Horn Lake’s Season, Gators Fall in 6A

November 22, 2025 Bob Bakken

Photo: Horn Lake football coach Dustin Hectorne speaks to his team after the Eagles’ 37-27 playoff loss at Oxford Friday, Nov. 21. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

OXFORD, Miss. — Horn Lake’s football season came to a close Friday night with a 37-27 playoff loss at Oxford, ending the Eagles’ year at 8-4. Despite the defeat, Horn Lake’s second-round appearance marked its deepest postseason run since the program’s undefeated 6A state championship season in 2018.

The Eagles struck first on an 11-yard reverse sweep by Lance McGowan midway through the opening quarter, but Oxford answered with a one-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7.

Horn Lake nearly regained the lead in the second quarter on a touchdown pass to Braylon King, but a holding penalty negated the score. After turnovers by both teams, Oxford converted a six-yard touchdown run to go ahead 13-7. Horn Lake tied the game just before halftime when Jason Edwards Jr. connected with Linkin Sanders on a six-yard touchdown pass, though a failed extra-point attempt kept the score at 13-13. Sanders later blocked a 50-yard field goal attempt to end the half.

Oxford seized momentum in the second half. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown gave the Chargers the edge, but Horn Lake responded with a 75-yard scoring run from standout running back Floyd Sinegal, who returned from injury for his first game since late in the regular season.

The Chargers regained control with a 46-yard touchdown pass to lead 27-20 entering the fourth quarter. Oxford added a 20-yard field goal before Horn Lake’s Jalen Moses pulled the Eagles within 30-27 on a 12-yard touchdown reception. Quarterback Knox Kiffin sealed the win for Oxford with a 21-yard touchdown run with 4:18 remaining.

Horn Lake head coach Dustin Hectorne praised his team’s resilience after the game, noting the program’s growth over the past two seasons. “We came out, we fought, and we battled,” Hectorne said. “From where this program was to where we are now is incredible. These players put respect back on Horn Lake.”

With the victory, Oxford advances to face Tupelo next Friday night in the 7A North Half championship. The winner will earn a spot in the state championship game. Tupelo enters as the defending 7A state champion.

LAKE CORMORANT STOPPED BY WARREN CENTRAL: DeSoto County’s other football playoff team also fell short Friday night, as Warren Central defeated the Lake Cormorant Gators 24-7 in a 6A second-round game in Vicksburg. A first-half 23-yard touchdown run by Kaelan Yeager in the first half became the only points of the game for Lake Cormorant, which ended the season with a record of 9-3. Warren Central (10-2) moves on to host Ridgeland in the 6A North Half championship next Friday night.