CROSBY – Cougar fans were on the edge of their seats most of the game last week against Texas High, due to the low scoring game where only a few points would make the difference.
Played at Lufkin’s Abe Martin stadium on Friday night, a large contingent of Crosby fans were on hand for the game, cheering their team for the final winning score near the end of the fourth quarter. With only 10 minutes left in the game, Cougar QB #10 Cyrin Myles rushed 4 yards to take the lead 12- 7, and then #4 Braden Womak ran a 2 point conversion for a final score of 14-7.
The first half had been primarily a defensive battle between equal teams. The first quarter ended 0- 0, and in the second quarter Crosby was able to kick a field goal and take the lead into the half 3-0. The 27 yd. field goal was kicked by #47 Trevor Helberg, who was later named the Special Teams Player of the Game.
In the beginning of the 3rd quarter, the Texas HS Tigers marched 75 yards on six plays, to take the lead 6-3 with a 1 yard rush by QB #12 Brayson McHenry. A PAT made it 7-3.
Crosby answered with a 15-play drive, capped by Trevor Helberg’s 36-yard field goal with 2:41 left in the third, to bring the score to 7-6 Tigers.
On their next possession, the Cougars ran 10 plays to gain 56 yards, with QB Myles scoring with a run from the 4-yd line. This was in the final 10 minutes of the game. Coach Prieto decided to go for a 2 point conversion, and Braden Womack ran it into the end zone to bring the score to 14-7 and a Cougar win.
When the Tigers got the next possession, with about 3 minutes left, they were unable to move the ball enough, and Crosby took over on downs and ran out the clock.
Players of the Game for Crosby included Special Teams Trevor Helberg, and QB Cyrin Myles. Myles performance was outstanding, with passing 7 of 17 for 63 yards, and rushing 24 carries for 126 yards and 1 TD. Also notable was RB #20 Quincy Jones, with 18 carries for 119 yards.
In Team Stats, Crosby had a total of 310 yards gained, while Texas gained 174 yards. Crosby’s strength was in its rushing with 246 yards versus Texas’ 50 yards. Texas had 124 yards passing, while Crosby had 64.
The Crosby Cougars now move to the semifinals, and will play Liberty Hill Friday night, Dec. 10 at 7:30 pm at Green Stadium in Bryan. This is an exact rematch of last year’s semifinal playoff, when Crosby defeated Liberty Hill in Overtime, 62-61 when the Panthers lost the ball on a final drive and Crosby recovered to win.
If Crosby wins this match, they will go on to the Finals, to be played at Dallas’ Cowboy Stadium, for the championship of Region III 5A-D2. Last year they got this far and played Aledo, losing 56-21.