The China Spring Cougars (15-0) punched their ticket to State with a resounding 34-9 victory over the Cuero Gobblers (13-2) Friday night in Round Rock. After the first key injury of the season, Senior Isaiah Williams put the team on his back and lead them to victory.
Déjà Vu Defense
The game started as most do for the Cougars. The China Spring defense steps on the field and forces a three and out from the offense. Gobbler RB Tycen Williams is bottled up and QB Jerry Rossett is unable to get comfortable in the pocket.
Throughout the contest, Rossett is scrambling away from pressure caused by DLs Keith Njemini and Jalen Trotter. When there was a moment when Rossett could come set and work through his progressions, the Cougar secondary had tight coverage that resulted in a scramble, a throw-away, or an interception.
The China Spring DBs came away with three picks on the night. Mason Kirk recorded the first interception at the end of the first half. On the last play of the half, from the China Spring 39, Rossett threw one up for grabs in the endzone that Kirk out-leaped everyone for to prevent the score.
Tre Hafford’s interception came on the Gobbler’s first offensive play of the second half. After a three and out by the Cougars to start the half, Hafford was able to get the pick from a scrambling Rossett.
Cuero’s next possession saw them build a drive. Starting from their own 33, the Gobbler running attack started gaining some yards. On the 11th play of the drive, from the China Spring 26, Rossett makes a throw into the endzone that Isaiah Williams pulls in for the turnover.
The entire defense performed well, but Njemini and LB Brayden Faulkner were finishing off most of the plays. Njemini finished with seven tackles, four disruptions, and one sack. Faulkner led the way with 13 tackles.
Offensive Adversity
For the first time this year, the Cougar offense had to deal with an injury to a playmaker. On China Spring’s first drive, and his 7th carry of that drive, RB Kyle Barton goes down untouched with a lower-body injury. Isaiah Williams moves from his position at receiver to running back, and the Cougars don’t miss a beat.
On Williams’ first play as the feature back, he takes an option pitch from QB Major Bowden and makes a move by a Gobbler defender for a 20-yard touchdown run to cap a 10 play scoring drive. Williams’ first four rushes put him over 100 yards.
The Cougar offense handled the adversity well. China Spring amassed 372 yards of total offense with four touchdowns. Bowden had 72 yards on the ground with two touchdowns and 95 yards through the air.
Player of the Game
For his efforts on both sides of the ball, Isaiah Williams came away with Player of the Game honors. On offense, Williams had 171 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown, and two receptions for 27 yards. On defense, he had one interception and narrowly missed a Pick-6.
Next Up – STATE
China Spring will face the Gilmer Buckeyes (14-1) for the Class 4A DII State Championship at AT&T Stadium on Friday, December 17 at 3pm.
Photos by Jenna Friedrich
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