The North Cougars kicked off their 7th grade football season on Monday night; traveling west to take on the Wolves of Cross Timbers Middle School. The energy levels were high with anticipation as both teams were eager to take the field.

The A teams stepped up first- and the season was underway. Despite a strong effort from the Cougars, they found it tough to move the ball against the Wolves defense. Additionally, Cross Timbers also were able to put together a few scoring drives of their own to take the early lead. But right before the break, North broke through on a long TD run by Kotaro Matsumoto to cut the deficit to 27-6. In the second half, North was able to make a few adjustments and found a way to grab some momentum. An interception by Cooper Zinglemann on defense along with a few outstanding passes by Nolan Wright to Lucas Cuberos powered the attack. Matsumoto broke off another long TD run and added the extra point conversion to make the score 27-13 in the 4th. However, the Wolves were stronger and continued to move the ball. In the end, Cross Timbers held on tight and came out on top to secure the opening victory.

Next, the B squads jumped into action to wrap up the night. Both sides were trying to size up the other and see what plays might work best. Cross Timbers broke the seal with a long run down the field to score and converted the extra point try to go up 7-0. But the Cougars answered back with a long TD pass from Jaackson Ketcherside to Evan Olvera to even the score at 7-7. Unfortunately, the Cougars turned the ball over a few times as well, setting up the Wolves for a couple more scores and found themselves down 19-7 at the half. And as the second half progressed, North saw some great runs by Isaac Stanback trying to move his team down the field. But some penalties and other mishaps kept tripping up the Cougars who just couldn’t close the gap. It was a tough night to be a Cougar with Cross Timbers taking the 19-7 win and sweeping the night!

UP NEXT:
Home vs. Grapevine MS on Wednesday, 9/9/26
A team starts at 5:00; B team to follow

#GoCougars!