The HFL Youth Cougars B-Team were thoroughly soaked on a cool, rainy Sunday afternoon not only by the elements, but also by a strong Marcus Whitman team that was clearly prepared to avenge their loss to the Cougars earlier in the season. MW dominated play in every aspect of the game, from their strong between the tackles running game, to a suffocating defense that stymied all HFL efforts to cross the goal line on the day.

The swamp-like field conditions and driving rain would dictate that whichever team won the battles in the trenches and made the fewest mistakes in handling the ball would be victorious. MW set the tone by stifling HFL’s first possession, forcing the Cougars to turn the ball over on downs. MW then scored on a TD run on their first possession of the game. Josh Griffith made a nice stop on the extra point attempt, limiting MW to a 6-0 lead.

Mitchell Slymon kept the ball on some nice outside runs, making some first downs, but ultimately HFL was unable to convert their drives into points. HFL and MW traded drives several times, with Jon Kabes and Troy Baker making some key stops on MW. Midway through the second quarter, it appeared as if HFL might be turning the tide when Nate Grey came up with a big fumble recovery for the Cougars. However, HFL would again be shut down by the stout MW run defense. MW threatened to score again late in the second, but was stopped on a key tackle by Jonathan Templeton to end the half with MW up 6-0.

The second half wouldn’t be as evenly played as the first. Throughout the second half, MW’s consistent push at the line of scrimmage kept HFL players moving backwards, while MW piled on the points. Tyson Foster made a few big hits in a valiant effort to prevent MW from moving the ball, but the Cougars would fade down the stretch, eventually losing the game 26-0.

The Cougars will need to regroup quickly, as they will face a tough matchup at home against a strong Jordan Elbridge team that they lost to earlier in the season. The B-Team Cougars will have the advantage this time on their home turf, playing at HF-L High School during Fall Weekend. Come on out and support the B-Team on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 1:00PM.