The Abilene Cooper Cougars secured their 18th consecutive playoff appearance with a commanding 44-27 victory over Amarillo Palo Duro on Friday night at Shotwell Stadium. In a high-stakes game that determined the final postseason spot, the Cougars came out strong, dominating with a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stops.
Cooper’s ground game was the foundation of their success, amassing 254 rushing yards. JQ Scroggins and Major de los Santos led the way, consistently breaking through Palo Duro’s defense. Quarterback Austin Cummins contributed significantly with three touchdown passes and a rushing score, taking full advantage of solid protection from the offensive line.
While Palo Duro fought valiantly, capitalizing on key plays to stay competitive during the middle quarters, they couldn’t keep pace with Cooper’s efficient offense. The Cougar defense delivered when it mattered most, making critical fourth-down stops that thwarted Palo Duro’s attempts to close the gap.
With the win, Cooper advances to the Bi-District championship, where they’ll face undefeated El Paso Del Valle on Thursday night at 7 p.m. This victory not only secures Cooper’s place in the playoffs but also highlights their resilience and consistent performance as a postseason contender. The Cougars look to carry this momentum into their next challenge.
