Ferndale High football beats Hazel Park in OAA Blue clash

FERNDALE — Ferndale High’s football team secured an Oakland Activities Association Blue Division co-championship in exciting fashion, as the Eagles beat Hazel Park High 20-17 in double overtime Oct. 13 at home.

The Eagles and Hazel Park both finished at 5-1 in the OAA Blue, splitting the division championship with Auburn Hills Avondale.

With its win, Ferndale is 7-1 overall. The Vikings go to 5-3 following their loss.

After Hazel Park got a field goal to take a 17-14 lead in double overtime, Eagles quarterback KeShawn Smith ended the game on a 4-yard touchdown run.

Aside from earning what coach Eric Royal said was the program’s first division championship since 1997, Ferndale has qualified for the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

“(I’ve) got the easy job,” Royal said. “These boys are building the culture. They are building a winning tradition around here. … As a program, this is what we need to take that next step forward. I’m so proud of the whole program.”