For the first time since 2020, the China Spring Cougars (8-4) lost a playoff game, falling to the Anna Coyotes (11-1) 45-21 in the Area Round of the Class 4A DI Playoffs at Joshua’s Owl Stadium by a score of 45-21.
The size and speed of the Anna defense was too much for the usually high-powered China Spring offense. The Cougars’ first drive ended in a 3 and out. In their second drive, trailing 7-0, China Spring faced a 3rd & 11 from the Coyote 37. QB Cash McCollum was sacked for an 8-yard loss, but an unsportsmanlike penalty by Anna kept the drive alive. McCollum found Grayson Martin from 16 yards out to tie the score at 7 with 2:52 remaining in the first quarter. It was all Anna Coyotes from that point forward.
photo by Denise Barton
Anna Sophomore QB Ziondre Williams was able to do a lot of damage both with his arm and legs. He had 75 yards and a touchdown through the air in his first two drives and then showed his elusiveness by going for runs of 46 and 47 yards in the following drives after being flushed from the pocket. RB Edward Chumley was a force on the ground, pushing in two touchdowns on the evening.
The story of the game was the Anna defense. They were able to keep McCollum uncomfortable in the pocket. The Cougar receivers rely on a quick first move to get free and gain yards, but the Coyote defenders did not allow the speedsters to roam free.
On A Personal Note
For those that have followed my articles, it is no secret that I am a China Spring guy. It is the school my kids went to, the school I went to, and the school my parents went to. I have seen a lot of folks come through in Cougar blue, so believe it when I say that this group of young men are special. I have had the pleasure of watching these elementary kids grow into fine young men.
Kyle Barton
Kyle is the most accomplished of these young men, and you can see below:
- Tied: Most touchdowns in a game
- Single season rushing touchdown leader
- Single season points scored leader
- Career rushing touchdown leader
- Career points scored leader
When you ask him about his play, he will mention his offensive line and how they do a great job blocking. He will talk about his quarterback and receivers making plays. He definitely won’t leave out the defense and what they mean to the team. What you won’t hear is him talking about himself, and if you are able to get something out of him, it is about the areas he is working to improve, not what he has accomplished.
Ryder Reeves
Ryder is the heart and soul of the Cougar defense. The nice young man that always has a smile on his face will tear through opposing offenses. Ryder was on track to break the single-season tackles record before a shoulder injury sidelined him. He was able to come back for this final game, and he left everything he had on the field, reinjuring that shoulder on the last play of the game.
My Guys
I have had the pleasure to coach, or coach against, many of these young men through their elementary years, and up through their freshmen years. #4 Kyle Barton, #9 Grady Flanigan, #21 Carter Pierce, #27 Ryder Reeves, #51 Evan Garner, #65 Garret Cavazos & #68 Donnie Willett.
To these young men, along with the many others that I have watched over the years, It has been an honor and a privilege to be a small part of your journey.
