Cougars surge late for homecoming win

The Cougars' Friday night homecoming game with the Palestine-Wheatley Patriots provided both fans and players with an evening to remember. Despite jumping out to an early 14-0 lead, Rector needed a late surge to come away with the 22-20 win.

With 8:34 left in the game, the Cougars found themselves trailing 20-14. Beginning their drive on the Patriot 44-yard-line, Rector went to work with their ground attack. Seth Parsley carried the bulk of the load, rushing six times for 43 yards during the nine play drive, which concluded with a two yard touchdown run with 3:41 left to play. Parsley ran again for the two-point conversion, moving the Cougars ahead for good. Clinton Haley also picked up 13 yards on a carry up the middle during the crucial possession.

Palestine-Wheatley got the ball back with time to score, but the Cougar defense stood tall, forcing the visitors to turn the ball over on downs after just four plays

Rector wound down the clock on the game's final possession, igniting a homecoming celebration which saw the successful Cougars celebrate near midfield.

"It's good to get that first win," RHS coach Bob Alberson said. "It's good to get that monkey off our backs."

Rector started strong, scoring on their first two possessions. Parsley crossed the goal on a sweep left from about 11 yards out for the first points of the game. After the successful try for two, Rector led 8-0 with 8:27 left in the opening frame.

Rector got the ball back quickly, as the Patriots fumbled it away on their ensuing possession. Taking over at the Palestine-Wheatley 35-yard-line, the Cougars needed just three plays to add to their lead. A pair of carries by Rodney Hall and Parsley for seven and six yards, respectively, led to a touchdown strike from quarterback Dustin Sparks to receiver Jerred Crane from the 22-yard-line. The PAT sailed wide left, leaving Rector ahead 14-0.

The visitors scored late in the first quarter to cut it to 14-6; then again late in the first half, cutting the Rector lead to 14-12. The score remained 14-12 heading into the fourth quarter.

Palestine-Wheatley started the fourth quarter with possession, moving the ball from midfield into Cougar territory. Utilizing the bootleg with success, the guests were able to move near the red zone, before quarterback Patrick Williams hit receiver Marquin Mckissick from 23 yards out for the go-ahead touchdown. The try for two was good, placing the guests ahead of Rector, 20-14 with 8:44 remaining, setting up the thrilling finish.

"Give Palestine-Wheatley credit," Alberson said. "They're a good team. They kept coming at us right up until the end."

Alberson was pleased with how his team played.

"I'm finally proud of the performance we put forth. I thought we gave a total team effort out there and that made the difference. We didn't give up when we got behind. We kept our heads up and went out there and won. I think that says a lot about the character of this team."

The win moves Rector to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

This week, the Cougars will take to the road for the first time, as they travel to Cedar Ridge for a 7:30 p.m. Friday night kickoff.