The HFL Cougars could not overcome a stiff wind and a stout Marcus Whitman defense, dropping a close game in Rushville 12-6 on Sunday afternoon. The Cougars had hoped to avenge an earlier blowout loss to MW, but came up just short in trying to do so.

The defenses of both teams would set the tone for the day in the first quarter of the game. Marcus Whitman’s first drive of the game stalled out because of outstanding defensive plays by Jon Kabes, Mitch Slymon, and Hayden Smith. Marcus Whitman returned the favor, stacking ten men up in the box and looking to stop HFL’s strong between the tackles ground game. After exchanging fruitless drives, it appeared that the Cougars were about the get the break it needed. With MW driving on their own 40 yard line, Derek Childs strip-sacked the Wildcats QB, and Tyson Foster recovered the ball, giving HFL great field position.

A steady combination of Mitch Slymon QB keepers and Dylan Nichols power running moved the Cougars all the way down to the MW 2 yard line. The Cougars, however, were unable to convert the drive into points. After getting the ball back on downs at their own 2 yard line with 44 seconds left in the half, Marcus Whitman amazingly ran the ball 98 yards for a touchdown on the very next play. The Cougars trailed at the half 6-0.

HFL received the second half kickoff and started moving the ball effectively. At one point, the Cougars were faced with a long third and fifteen situation that they were able to pick up on a stellar pass play from Slymon to Childs. Derek Childs then successfully took the ball on an end around for another key first down. The drive continued by keeping MW defenders off balance with a good mix of deceptive Slymon keepers and strong up the gut running by Dylan Nichols. Tyson Foster and Sam Tripi led the way with strong blocking efforts on the line. HFL finally scored on another long pass from Slymon to tight end Childs, who was able to drive through several defenders on his way into the end zone. The game was then knotted 6-6.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, Marcus Whitman had an answer on the very next series. Led by some big-hitting plays by Sam Tripi, the HFL defense appeared to have MW on the ropes, forcing them into a 4^th and long situation near mid-field. On the 4^th and long play, MW’s running back was able to break through the line and take it all the way down the home sideline to score. The fourth quarter saw both defenses ratchet up their intensities, stopping each other’s attempts at moving the ball. Dylan Nichols continued to punish MW tacklers with hard hitting inside running, but the Cougars offense was unable to convert these efforts into another score. The final score was 12-6.

The B Team Cougars went 4-4 this season. Things look bright for the B Team next year, considering that a majority of the players on this year’s team will be returning. Additionally, there is a talented group of C Teamers moving up to the B Team ranks next year. We would like to thank all of the B Team players who are moving up to modified football or other activities of their choice next year. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to HFL Youth Football. Thank you players, coaches, officials, and parents!