Cougars stumble in first road game

Friday night's game at Newark against the hosting Cedar Ridge Timberwolves was a tough one for the Cougars, as the squad found themselves on the short end of a 34-13 outcome.

The night began with a furious pace, as both teams scored on their first possessions. Cedar Ridge won the toss, starting the game with possession. The hosts marched 63 yards down the field for the first touchdown of the night. The try for two came up short, though, as Rector trailed 6-0 early.

Rector began their first possession at their own 30-yard-line. Not to be outdone, the Cougars needed just one play to light up their half of the scoreboard. Senior tailback Seth Parsley took the ball on sweep, dodging would-be tacklers en route to breaking free for a thrilling 70 yard touchdown run. The PAT sailed true, with Rector claiming a 7-6 advantage with just under eight minutes left in the opening frame.

The Timberwolves' next possession was slow, but steady, as their running attack chewed up both yards and time. After crawling to the Rector 15-yard-line, Cedar Ridge brought out the tricky stuff, scoring on a well-timed reverse. Again, the try for two was denied, as Rector fell behind 12-7 heading into the second quarter.

While the Cougars were able to move the ball in the second frame, each drive stalled, resulting in a turnover-on-downs and lost fumble.

Cedar Ridge added another score in the period, moving ahead 20-7, and taking that lead into intermission.

The hosts scored on their first possession of the third, moving ahead 27-7.

The Cougars struck for the final time with 2:34 left in the third. On one of the most memorable plays of the evening, Parsley weaved his way to the sideline, returning a kickoff 75 yards for the unhindered touchdown. The try for two was halted, closing the gap to 27-13.

Cedar Ridge would score again in the fourth to set the final in place.

Despite their lack of scoring, Rector was able to make some noise on offense. The Cougars finished with an unofficial 404 yards of total offense on the night.

Parsley finished with 276 total yards, rushing for 141 on 14 carries, catching two passes for 60 yards and netting 75 yards on kickoff returns.

"There's not a lot I can say about someone who plays as hard as he does," coach Bob Alberson said of his star. "He gives everything he has every time he steps on the field. He's the kind of player every coach wants to have on his team."

Clinton Haley also had a big night on special teams, returning three kicks for 70 yards.

Rector is slated to host Cross County beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Cougars will likely be shorthanded, as four starters, Jerred Crane, Matthew Stone, Rodney Hall and Dillan Eubanks have been affected by the flu.