STATE CHAMPS: Oakland defense dominates Whitehaven in BlueCross Bowl

COOKEVILLE — Oakland dominated in capturing the fourth state football title in school history Thursday evening with 37-0 win over Whitehaven in the Class 6A BlueCross Bowl at Tennessee Tech's Tucker Stadium.

The championship came 10 years after the Patriots' last state title (2008). Oakland also won the state in 1984 and 1998.

The win avenges a 12-9 loss to Whitehaven in the 2016 state championship game.

Oakland tossed three shutouts during the playoffs, including back-to-back efforts against Maryville (38-0) and Whitehaven.

Oakland's defense allowed just one three first downs and 81 total yards.

Patriots senior Xavier Myers rushed for 107 yards, his 15th 100-yard game of the season for Oakland and 33rd of his career. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Oakland (14-1) dominated the first half, outgaining Whitehaven (11-4) 201-26. The Patriots did not allow a first down to the Tigers, who punted six times.

The Patriots jumped on the board on their first drive, a Myers 3-yard run to make it 7-0.

Oakland had chances to go up big early. But the Patriots fumbled on its second possession and failed to convert on fourth-and-goal from the 1 on the next drive.

Garrett Taylor's 29-yard field goal early in the second put the Patriots up 10-0, and Mookie Wilson's 1-yard score late in the half pushed the lead to 17-0 at intermission.

Taylor added more field goals in the second half, and Oakland got touchdowns from Christian Cantrell, who fell on a Patriots fumble in the end zone, and Justin Jefferson (2-yard run) to provide the final margin.

HOW IT HAPPENED:Oakland shut out Whitehaven 37-0 to win the Class 6A state championship

STANDOUT THROWBACK:Oakland's Xavier Myers stands out with throwback facemask