On Wednesday night, North's 7th Grade A team took to Cougar Field for the first time; hosting the Ponies from Grapevine Middle School. Despite the heat, the energy level was buzzing and both teams were amped up to get started.

Luckily for the Cougars, it didn't take long for North to strike first. Running back Cooper Zinglemann romped around the right end for a 30 yard TD scamper; putting North up 6-0 early. Not to be outdone, Kotaro Matsumoto also showed off his running back skill for North, and took a run around the left end for a 60 yard touchdown on the next possession. On the extra point try, QB Nolan Wright completed a pass to wide receiver Max Myers to raise the score to 13-0. North's defense was also looking to get into the action and rover Lucas Cuberos capitalized by taking down the Ponies' offense in their own endzone to score a safety and add 2 points. At this point, it would seem like North might relax and take their foot off of the gas for a bit, but that wasn't the case. Continuing to build upon the momentum, Matsumoto once again scooped up the ball on a fumbled snap and outran the Grapevine defense to find the end zone. QB Wright then followed with a keeper on the extra point try to boost North's lead to 22-0. And shortly before the half, it was once again Cuberos on defense who picked up a Pony fumble and returned it back the other way for a Cougar Scoop and Score! Once again, a completed pass from Wright to Myers added the extra point and North took a commanding 29-0 lead into halftime. The second half moved a little quicker, but both sides continued to give it their all. The Ponies were able to get on the board with a long TD run around the left side on which the Cougar defense just couldn't catch up. But on offense, with Zinglemann now playing QB, he moved North right back down the field for a long TD run that was called back short of the goal line on a penalty. But then, for the third time in the game, it was Matsumoto weaving and winding all over the field to run another one in for the final TD of the game; as well as adding the extra point try. When the dust settled, the Cougars walked away with a dominant 36-7 win and some extra momentum to carry into the rest of the season.

UP NEXT:
Home vs. Colleyville MS on Monday, 9/14/26
A team starts at 5:00; B team to follow

#GoCougars!