cover photo by Becky Antunes Photography.
The China Spring Cougars (5-2, 1-0) take advantage of every opportunity given by the Alvarado Indians (5-2, 0-1) and takes the District 5-4A DI opener by a score of 64-28.
The experts had this game on upset watch, and the results of the first quarter made it seem an upset was going to happen at Charles Head Stadium in Alvarado. Indian Junior QB Cardea Collier led Alvarado down the field on a methodical 8 play, 60 yard touchdown drive to open the game. Collier, using both his arm and legs, accounted for 43 yards, capping the drive with a 5 yard touchdown pass to WR Hunter Byerley. A missed PAT had the Indians up 6-0. China Spring mishandled the ensuing kickoff and started their first drive on their own 10 yard line. The Cougars looked to have a big gain on the first play from scrimmage, but a dropped pass led to a three and out for the Cougar offense. Collier and the Alvarado offense again marched down the field on an 8 play scoring drive. With 4:44 remaining in the first quarter, Alvarado had a 13-0 lead, and looked to have all the momentum. Looks can be deceiving.
Here Come The Cougars
The first drive from the Cougars was the anomaly. China Spring opened the second drive by spreading the ball around. RB Kyle Barton had 3 rushes and a reception. WRs Dean Hannah and Cameron Campos each caught passes to move the chains. On the 11th play of the drive, and the first play of the 2nd quarter, QB Cash McCollum finds WR Greyson Martin from 16 yards out to put the Cougars on the board. China Spring would score a “few” more points in the quarter.
Alvarado Errors
Alvarado mishandled the ensuing kickoff and China Spring took over on the Indian 25 yard line. Three plays later, McCollum again finds Martin from 11 yards out and China Spring goes on top 14-13. Alvarado would go back on top, 20-14, with a quick 4 play, 63 yard drive. That lead, however, would only last 12 seconds. On the first play of the next drive, Barton sprints up the middle for a 75 yard touchdown run and a 21-20 lead. China Spring would never look back.
Alvarado’s next drive saw another error. DL Caden Exline scooped up an Indian fumble and set the Cougars up on the Alvarado 34. Again, one play was all that was needed, and this play was the most acrobatic of the night. McCollum drops back and finds Campos in the corner of the endzone. As the pass is coming in, the Indian defender interferes with Campos, but he is able to work through the contact and secure the ball in the endzone for the amazing touchdown.
The errors continue for Alvarado. They go three and out on their next drive and the snap on the punt attempt goes into the endzone for a safety. The Cougars capitalize on the great field position from the free kick and again find the endzone in three plays. The next play that the Alvarado offense has the ball, Collier’s pass is intercepted.
By the time the award winning China Spring Cougar Band entered the field, the Cougar football team put 50 points on the board in just 12 minutes of play.
McCollum to Martin, McCollum to Martin…….McCollum to Martin, and Barton
Cash McCollum connected with Greyson Martin 11 times for 154 yards and 5 touchdowns. The duo was unstoppable. McCollum would find Martin sitting in the zone. McCollum would hit Martin in the flat where the receiver would then use his speed and athleticism. Not to be outdone from the air attack, Kyle Barton chipped in 14 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
Defense Shined
While the offense puts up the big numbers, the defense settled in and controlled the dangerous Indian offensive attack and held Alvarado to their lowest point total of the season.
Up Next
Alvarado moves into their bye week next week while China Spring will host cross town rival La Vega (5-2, 10-0). The Cougars and Pirates go into the game with matching records as La Vega defeated Waxahachie Life 56-20 in their district opener.
In a ceremony prior to the game, the 2023 Class 4A State Champion China Spring Cougar Baseball Team will receive their State Champion Rings.
*All stats are unofficial
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