The China Spring Cougars hosted the Salado Eagles in what was believed to be a matchup between the top two teams in District 9-4A DII.
In the end, China Spring proved they are the class of the district and preparations for the playoffs can begin. The Cougars dominated both sides of the ball for a 48-7 win over the Eagles.
China Spring Offensive Dominance
RB Kyle Barton and QB Major Bowden were the focal points of the offense. The two combined for five touchdowns on the ground, with Barton getting the bulk of the load in the first half and Bowden taking control of the second half.
Photo Credit: Becky Antunes Photography
Barton did most of his damage running straight up the middle. The sophomore running back showed power when he had to, and elusiveness in the open field. He led the team with three touchdowns on the night.
Bowden makes plays on designed runs and his scrambling ability. Bowden had touchdown runs of 42 and 54 yards. On his 54 yard run, Bowden started, stopped, and changed directions on the first 10 yards, then used his speed the remainder of the way to leave the defense in the dust.
Bowden also connected with WR Jackson Battles for a 48-yard touchdown off of play-action. The defense bit on the potential option of Bowden and Barton running to the right, then Bowden drops back and finds Battles behind the defense.
Cougars Attacking Defense
When asked about his defense, Head Coach Brian Bell praised his coaching staff and players. He said that the defensive staff put together a great game plan and the players executed.
Bell mentioned that Salado’s Slot-T offense brings about a lot of unknowns, but the defensive unit set the tone early and never looked back.
Salado’s first five drives resulted in three first downs, 41 yards, and five punts. The Eagle offense started moving the ball on their last drive of the half, but DB Tre Hafford intercepted QB Hutton Haire to end the threat.
The Cougar defense created three turnovers. In addition to Hafford’s interception, Cayden Exline forced a fumble that was recovered by Keith Njemini and Isiah Williams pulled in an interception near the goal line.
Unselfish Cougars
Coach Bell was asked about his offensive stars. While he is glad he has those two electric players in Barton and Bowden, he was quick to point out the offensive line and receivers. Bell says all the players are unselfish in their preparation and play.
Photo Credit: Becky Antunes Photography
That unselfishness is on display on every running play. Receivers Hafford, Williams, and Sebastian Trevino are physical downfield blockers that often make that final block to free Barton and Bowden on long runs.
Up Next for China Spring
China Spring (8-0, 3-0) will host the Robinson Rockets (2-6, 1-2) in their final home game of the season. Salado (5-3, 2-1) will host Jarrell (2-6, 0-3)
Expect both Salado and China Spring to increase their win total by one next week.
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