The China Spring Cougars (13-0) defeated the Carthage Bulldogs (11-1) 27-17 in the Class 4A DII Regional Semifinals. The Cougars lead wire to wire in the matchup of two of the top teams in the state.
Lived Up To The Billing
This game lived up to the hype. This was going to be a heavyweight bout where each team would trade blows, and it did not disappoint. Carthage started the game off on offense on their own 10 yard line. After one big play from Connor Cuff to Braeden Wade, the Cougar defense held strong at midfield.
Carthage does not often bring on the punting unit. On 4th and 1 from the Cougar 48, QB Cuff lined up in the shotgun, then came up under center to try and get the yard. The Cougar defensive line, led by DL Greg Salazar, stuffed the Cuff run and the Cougars took over at midfield.
China Spring used 11 plays, all on the ground, to march down 50 yards for the score. From a 4th and goal from the Bulldog one yard line, Dawson Exline pushed over the goal line for the touchdown. China Spring would not look back.
Tough Cougar Defense
China Spring held the powerful Carthage offense to 173 yards through the air and 48 yards on the ground. The defensive back pairing of Jacob Mott and Gabe Watkins kept the Carthage wide receivers in check. QB Connor Cuff was often under pressure from the Cougar front seven.
Carthage’s positive plays often came on screen passes, capitalizing on the aggressive Cougar defense. Even on those plays, back end players Mason Kirk and Isaiah Williams did not allow big plays to get by them.
Consistent Cougar Offense
The Cougar offense did not stray from what got them their 12-0 record. A heavy dose on the ground from QB Major Bowden and RB Kyle Barton drove the Cougars down the field. The China Spring ball carriers did not have their signature 50+ yard runs, but they were able to keep moving the chains.
When the Bulldog defense had seen a number of runs, Bowden would drop back and complete a big pass. On a 3rd & 19, Bowden hit Tristan Exline for 21 yards to keep a drive alive. Tre Hafford capped off the drive with a two yard touchdown run.
On the first drive of the 2nd half, Bowden hits Hafford for a 47 yard touchdown strike to put China Spring up 21-7. K Thomas Barr would add two field goals to give the Cougars the comfortable 27-17 win.
Next Up
Next up for China Spring will be West Orange-Stark. For the third time out of four playoff games this year, a 2020 playoff rematch will happen for the Cougars. At press time, the time and location has yet to be determined.
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