Cougars downed by EPC

The Cougars' 22-8 loss to East Poinsett County Friday night in Lepanto may have been their toughest game of the season. Rector saw their standout running back Seth Parsley go down with a knee injury late in the first half. Parsley did not return to the contest and is awaiting the results of an MRI.

The Cougars found themselves trailing early, as EPC blocked Rector's punt on the first possession of the game. The Warriors recovered the ball at the Cougar three-yard-line. The defense held for two plays, but Byron Ford gave the Warriors the lead on a three yard carry on third and goal. The extra point was no good, as the hosts moved out 6-0 with 8:51 left in the game.

Rector rallied back in the second quarter. Clinton Haley pounded the ball up the middle from six yards out to tie the game with 4:13 left in the first half. Haley's number was called again on a successful carry for the two-point conversion, giving the Cougars an 8-6 lead.

EPC reclaimed the lead with 15 seconds before intermission, as quarterback Austin Price connected with A.J. Turner on 63 yard touchdown pass. Ford made it 14-8 with a two-point carry.

Rector managed to threaten in the second half, but each time the Cougars ventured into Warrior territory, the drive stalled.

The Rector defense tightened up in the second half, though. Behind spectacular drive-ending plays from Jerred Crane, intercepting a pass in Cougar territory, and Jerry Stokes, recovering a Warrior fumble in the red zone, Rector was able to stay in the hunt throughout.

EPC was able to drive late, with running back Darius Barnes scoring the final points of the contest on a two yard touchdown run with 37 seconds remaining in the game.

EPC utilized a touchdown at the end of each half to claim the win.

"I thought we played pretty well overall," Rector head coach Bob Alberson said. "We had a few breakdowns there at the end of the first half and the end of the game that hurt us. Other than that, we were right there and had a chance to win."

Haley had a strong performance for the Cougars, rushing for 149 yards on 28 carries.

"Clinton really stepped up," Alberson said. "He did a good job of carrying the load. We're going to give him the ball more and let him show what he can do."

The injury to Parsley may strike the team hard, depending on the severity of the injury.

"Seth Parsley is one of the best players in the conference," Alberson said. "That's not just me saying that, other coaches have said the same thing. Any time one of your players is injured, it's tough to deal with. When it's one of the best players in the conference, it's not any easier."

Rector is on the road this week, as the team heads to Walnut Ridge for action beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday night.