The HFL Youth Cougars C-Team made a strong effort to keep its 2012 undefeated record intact, but fell one extra point conversion short, losing to a tough Jordan Elbridge team that they tied earlier in the season.

Jordan Elbridge’s first offensive drive seemed to be an ominous sign for the Cougars, as J-E quickly jumped on the board with a long passing strike and a long run for a TD. J-E missed their extra point attempt, making it 6-0. HFL roared right back, effectively executing a ground and pound strategy with Peter Romig, Wyatt Hayes, and Patrick Lustyk all making first downs. Hayes eventually punched it in for a TD, tying the game at 6-6. HFL’s extra point attempt was stopped.

HFL’s defense quickly tightened up, led by Jake Easton, Robert Greer, and Christian Coler who sacked the J-E quarterback twice. The Cougars then forced a fumble, with Mason Wanzenreid recovering the ball. The momentum quickly switched back to J-E however, as HFL fumbled the ball right back, giving J-E excellent field position.

The HFL defense would step up and deliver once again, with Colt Green and Eddie Gartland stopping a J-E reverse and turning the ball back over on downs to HFL. The Cougars then ran the clock out, taking a 6-6 tie into halftime.

The Cougars opened the second half with an exciting Christian Coler kick return, but were stymied by an equally tough J-E defense on the ensuing drive. J-E capitalized on the momentum provided by their defensive stop, striking quickly on a long run for a TD, putting them up 12-6. J-E would then convert the extra point try, which would prove to be the difference in the game.

After the teams exchanged defensive stops, Robert Greer would begin the Cougars comeback bid with a key fumble recovery in the 4^th quarter. On the ensuing Cougars drive, Peter Romig would convert a huge first down on a tantalizing run down the sideline. Soon after, Mason Wanzenreid scored on a quarterback keeper, bringing the Cougars within one point of J-E. However, The J-E defense would prove to be up for the task of saving the day by stopping the Cougars on their extra point attempt that would have knotted the game at 13.

With little time left on the clock, the Cougars defense once again led by Colt Green and Robert Greer, tried mightily to get the ball back one more time for their offense. Unfortunately for the Cougars, J-E was able to run out the clock and go home victorious in a 13-12 final. The C-Team returns to FLYFCL action against Seneca Falls on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 5:30 PM in Honeoye Falls.