As Todd Dodge returns to Texas high school football, he has scheduled a tough 5A opponent: the Lubbock Cooper Pirates. Last year, the Pirates had an 8-4 record and are looking to return to the playoffs stronger than before, after their postseason dreams were dashed by Aledo, who won 48-31. Despite that loss, the Pirates look strong again this year and are major contenders for the 5A D1 title.
On the other hand, the Lovejoy Leopards, coming off a 12-2 record and a district record of 7-0, had their season end last year after losing to South Oak Cliff 42-0. Despite the blowout, Lovejoy revamped its entire coaching staff while retaining most of its stars from last year, continuing to position itself as a strong contender for the 5A D1 title.
After trailing at halftime 25-14, the Leopards fought back as their defense created several turnovers, allowing them to outscore the Pirates 21-14 in the third quarter. All the touchdowns in the third quarter came from senior quarterback Jacob Janecek, who connected with receivers Jaymez Beaner, Zane Kuzenski, and Daylan McCutcheon. As the third quarter ended, the score was 39-35, with the Pirates still in the lead.
As the fourth quarter wound down, the Pirates reached the end zone, extending their lead to 46-35 with 2:11 remaining. Undeterred, the Leopards drove down the field and, with 14 seconds left, powered their way into the end zone and successfully converted a two-point conversion to trail by just three points. However, the Pirates recovered the onside kick and ran the clock out to win 46-43.
Next week, the action continues as the Pirates take on cross-town rival Lubbock Coronado, who is coming off a 41-34 win against Wichita Legacy and aims to take down the Pirates. As for Lovejoy, they will travel to Highlander Stadium to face the Highland Park Scots, who are coming off a 34-21 victory over Rockwall Heath.
Lovejoy Stats
Jacob Janecek- Comp 18 of 26 passes for 243 yards, throwing for 5 touchdowns and
rushed for 91 yards and scored once
Ben Adams- attempted 13 rushes for 18 yards and had 1 reception for 6 yards
Jaymez Beaner- caught 5 passes for 80 yards scoring once
Zane Kuzenski- caught 6 passes for 74 yards scoring twice
Daylan McCutcheon- caught 4 passes for 64 yards scoring twice
Jayce Seaber- caught 3 passes for 18 yards
Lubbock Cooper Stats
Ryan Rodriguez- completed 13 of 15 passes for 215 yards, throwing for 3 touchdowns and
one interception and rushed for one touchdown
Jackson Austin- attempted 26 rushes for 119 yards and caught 2 passes for 34 yards
scoring once
Gage Piepkorn- attempted 2 rushes for 11 yards scoring once
Michael Dever- caught 8 passes for 150 yards scoring twice
Cade Gant- Caught 2 passes for 27 yards
