The C Team game between the Wayne Eagles and HFL Cougars shaped up to be a defensive struggle, with Wayne eventually pulling away by a touchdown. Both defenses set the tone for the game, highlighted early on an HFL fumble recovery caused by a skillful strip by HFL defender Preston Yates. In the first quarter, both defenses dominated play. HFL was led early by key sacks and big tackles by Nathan Tooley, Donnell Hall, and Preston Yates. The first quarter ended with no score.

In the second quarter, the HFL running attack would pick up steam. Long runs by Drew Angelo and Donnell Hall were capped by an Angelo 10 yard scamper in to the corner of the end zone for a 6-0 HFL lead. After a steady Wayne drive led the Eagles into HFL territory, the Cougars defense would stiffen, resulting in the Eagles turning the ball over on downs. On the very first play of the next HFL possession, Cougars running back Landon Hammond would take a long run in for a touchdown, extending the Cougar’s lead to 12-0. The Eagles offense was not ready to quit. Even after enduring some big solo hits and gang tackles by a charged-up HFL defense, Wayne found their way into the end zone making the score 12-6. With less than a minute left in the half, HFL would commit a crucial error in fumbling the ball away. The Eagles quickly capitalized, scoring a long TD with 7 seconds left in the half to up on top 13-12.

The Cougars defense started off the second half holding strong, with a big tackle for a loss by Nolan Smith, and a near interception by Preston Yates. HFL would once again fumble the ball away. The Cougars defense held strong again, highlighted by a near interception by Carson Joint, and did not allow Wayne to do anything with the opportunity. After trading defensive stops in the third, the end of the quarter would once again bite the Cougars, as the Eagles scored on a TD run with no time left on the clock. The Eagles lead stood at 19-12 going into the final quarter.

The defenses of both teams again ruled the fourth quarter, with HFL’s Conlan Rorick and Jack Harvey anchoring stout defensive line play. Although mounting a tough battle in the trenches of the HFL offensive line, led by Aidan Hanna and Colton Miller, the Cougars could not muster any more scoring. Congratulations go to the Eagles for a well-played game. The C Team is now 1-1 on the season, and will travel to Penn Yan next weekend in an attempt to pick up a second win on the season.