On Friday, Lubbock Cooper traveled to Wichita Falls to play Rider, which could possibly be the final chapter of this big rivalry.
Lubbock Cooper Coope
Lubbock Cooper’s offense, who utilized two quarterbacks, came out hot lead by Quarterback Ryan Rodriguez. Rodriguez completed 11 of 12 passes for 108 yards and rushed for 14 yards. Rodriguez connected with multiple receivers on the night. Michael Dever caught 5 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown, Sam Marcinkowski caught 2 passes for 46 yards and a touchdown, and Jayden Kennard caught 4 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Another receiver, Jackson Austin, had 1 catch for 13 yards. Not only was Cooper a threat through the air, but Jayden Hibbler would have 142 yards rushing on 17 touches and 1touchdown. Hibbler’s touchdown would be the final touchdown for Cooper on the night. Cooper’s defense also came to redeem themselves after giving up 34 points in the loss to Wylie (Abilene). Cooper forced multiple turnovers on the night holding Rider to 7 points.
Rider
Rider came into the game off a 38-0 win against Coronado, and was looking to continue their dominance on the field. Quarterback Joe Castles completed 10 out of 17 passes for 111 yards, but rushed for only 1 yard off two touches. Castles was able to connect with Carson Ayres, who caught 2 passes for 59 yards, Kohen Maroney, who caught 2 passes for 23 yards, and Grey Johnson who caught 3 passes for 17 yards. Running back Kenji Johnson tried to get things going for Rider on the ground. Johnson rushed for 34 yards on 11 touches, and got the only touchdown for Rider on the night. Rider defense came into the game looking good after shutting out Coronado, but they were only able to stop Cooper one time. Rider ended the game by giving up 495 total yards.
Lubbock Cooper would end up winning 34-7.
Lubbock Cooper has a bye week this upcoming week, but will start district play against Coronado at Lowery field on September 29th. Rider will get a chance to bounce back next week at home against Stephenville who is 2-2, and coming off a loss against Abilene Wylie.
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