On Tuesday evening, as the sun was setting upon the middle school football season, the North Cougars followed the sunset West to take on the Cross Timbers Wolves in a District Championship game. These teams had previously faced off in Week 1, and now it was time to see who would come out on top!
The first quarter was a defensive battle as both sides tried to find a weakness against the other. And so it was fitting that a fumbled caused by Cougar safety Diego Cuberos right at the end of the quarter set North up for success. And shortly thereafter, QB Garrison Gamet connected with Cuberos for a 20 yard touchdown pass to get on the board. Following the PAT kick, also by Cuberos, the Cougars were up 8-0. North knew it wouldn't be easy, and Cross Timbers wasn't going to just roll over. Feeling a little pressure for one of the few times this season, the Wolves responded and were able to drive down the field and tie up the game; leading to an 8-8 stalemate at the half.
Heading into the second half, both sides looked to seize the momentum and propel themselves back into the lead. Unfortunately for Cougar fans, it was the Wolves who found the end zone next to take a 16-8 lead. But North was not going to back down... and as the third quarter was winding down, Gamet found wideout Sergio Exposito-Perez for a big 30 yard gain over the top to fire up the North fans in the stands. A big run by Jeter Brito took the Cougars down the the 4 yard line; setting up Gamet to Exposito-Perez for another completion and accompanying touchdown! After another successful PAT kick by Cuberos, the game was once again knotted up at 16-16.
Sports fans of all kinds love this type of drama... championship on the line, game tied, time running down. How would this contest turn out? Once again, Cross Timbers showed why they were so far undefeated on the season and looked to jump back out front. A slippery screen pass gave them that chance as they scampered from midfield all the way to glory with another TD score to take the 24-16 lead. And despite some valiant last ditch efforts and a heroic attempt, the North Cougars ended up just short of the goal line as the buzzer sounded; giving the district championship to Cross Timbers Middle School.
While the outcome was not as desired for North fans, there is no doubt that this 8th grade squad truly played with heart, grit, and determination... not only on this night, but all season long. Their example will be remembered for years to come as future Cougars look to press forward for future championships. Well done, boys... BE PROUD!
