Cougars fall to McCrory

Friday was a rough night for the Cougars, made no better by the rainy weather and swamp-like terrain of Temerian Field, as Rector played their final home game of the season, Senior Night, against the McCrory Jaguars, who entered the night ranked sixth among all 2A teams in Arkansas. The Cougars were outmatched by their foes, falling 49-6.

The visitors made their presence known early, scoring four touchdowns on just five plays from scrimmage to take a 29-0 lead through the first quarter.

Rector began the second frame strong, running the ball well. Senior Clinton Haley carried the bulk of the load, as the Cougars made it all the way to the Jaguar nine-yard-line. The hosts were denied on three straight plays, turning the ball over on downs in the red zone.

McCrory tacked on a touchdown in the second to move ahead 36-0 at intermission.

The guests added a pair of scores in the third to move up 49-0.

Rector's lone touchdown of the night came from their defense in the fourth quarter. After the Cougar offense fumbled the ball away at the two-yard-line. Rector bounced back on defense, forcing two consecutive fumbles, the second of which was recovered by Richard Smith in the end zone for a touchdown with 2:28 remaining. The try for two came up short, as the clock continued to run on the rain-soaked contest.

The one-sided game was a sour pill for seniors Dustin Smith, Cory Hager, Richard Smith, Joe Gore, Rodney Hall, Seth Parsley and Clinton Haley to swallow in their final home game. The players, along with senior cheerleader Chelsea Benson and band members Josh White and Hailey Martin, were recognized prior to the start of the game for their efforts through the years.

Rector will wrap up their season Friday night, as they visit Marked Tree.