Cougars Edge Colonels 13-8

By Watson Cook

The IA Colonels made their first ever trip to Central Hinds Academy last Friday night and nearly stole a win away from the home team. The Cougars, however, held on in the final minutes to end the Colonels’ hopes of a comeback.

The first half was a defensive struggle that saw neither team reach the red zone until mid-way through the second quarter. The first four offensive series of the game were identical with each team running four plays before being forced to punt on their first drive. On the second time around for the offenses, each team ran six plays, with both turning the ball over on downs. After the Cougars’ turnover on downs, the Colonels took over at their own 41 with 2:22 to play in the first quarter. It appeared IA was poised to break through and put points on the board, driving to the Cougar 29. However, on 4^th and 13, Colonel quarterback Jonathan Holland’s pass was picked off to end the quarter. The Cougars returned the interception to their own 48, giving them good field position to start the second quarter. Central Hinds used 11 plays to drive inside the IA 15, giving them the best scoring opportunity of the night for either team. However, the Colonel defense came up with a stop on 3^rd and 2 from the 10. The Cougars opted for a field goal attempt but a botched snap resulted in a turnover on downs. Unfortunately, the Colonels were not able to take advantage and the game went to halftime tied 0-0.

Central Hinds returned the second half kickoff to the IA 40 to give the offense a short field. They needed only 8 plays to find the endzone and take a 7-0 lead with 7:30 to play in the 3^rd. The Colonels, looking to answer, made their way down to the Cougar 27 before Holland was intercepted for the second time, ending the Colonel threat. Following an exchange of punts, Central Hinds took over at their own 32 with 9:23 remaining in the game. The Cougars drove 68 yards on 12 plays to extend the lead to 13-0 (missed PAT). Now with only 2:19 to play and down by two scores, the Colonels found themselves needing a miracle. Starting from their own 26, IA would find the endzone 10 plays later on an Ashton Knight 14-yard touchdown run. Holland completed the 2-point pass to Michael Sykes to cut the Cougar lead to 13-8 with :52 to play. Sykes’ onside kick attempt traveled the necessary 10 yards but Central Hinds was able to fall on the ball to secure the win.

With the loss, IA falls to 2-3. The Colonels will open district play Friday, September 21 at Legion Field when they host Marshall Academy. Kickoff is set for 7:00.
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