Chaney Cowboys Secure 28-12 Win Over Cardinals
Chaney Cowboys Secure 28-12 Win Over Cardinals
The Chaney Cowboys, eager to overturn their recent misfortunes, losing their previous two games, squared off against the red hot Cardinal Mooney Cardinals. The Cardinals, fresh off a three-game winning streak and averaging a formidable 38.6 points per game, were no easy adversaries. Memories of last season's close 22-17 victory by the Cowboys added another layer of intensity to the matchup.
Coach Antram's Game Philosophy
Chaney's Head Coach Seth Antram captured the team's mindset heading into the game, stating, "After the two straight losses, we’ve really been concentrating on effort and energy. We’ve been focusing on staying positive in any situation and being focused on the next play." With these words echoing in their ears, the Cowboys took to the field, ready to give it their all. This mindset would be put to the test immediately, as Chaney fumbled on the very first play of the game.
Cardinal Mooney recovered the fumble on Chaney's 42-yard line. However, Mooney's joy was short-lived as they fumbled on the very next play while attempting a trick play. Chaney capitalized on this mistake, with Drew Gault connecting with Darius Stonework for a 31-yard touchdown, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Matt Jones: The Game Changer
The Cowboys continued their momentum when Matt Jones, traditionally a junior quarterback, lined up at tailback and dashed 80 yards for another touchdown, giving Chaney a comfortable 14-0 lead. Coach Antram, when asked about the decision to use Jones in both roles, explained, "We’ve had some depth issues as a team and that gets two great players on the field at the same time. Also, Matt’s had some nagging injuries and is a huge part of our defense so it’s a way to get him a break and keep him fresh. Last night was really the first time Matt got multiple carries from the RB spot and it worked well for us."
Defensive Dominance
Cardinal Mooney's offense struggled to find their rhythm, especially with the Cowboys' defensive line putting pressure on their quarterback, Ashton O’Brien, all night. Coach Antram elaborated on the strength of his defensive line, stating, "Our defensive line is a huge strength for us and sets the tone for our team. Elijah Carter is our sack leader and goes 100 mph no matter the situation. Javeon Young has the same motor and is on the other side of the D-line. They both do a great job of creating pressure on QBs. Saion Ivey, Sarmad Shakoor, and Javon Huff help anchor the D-line and all do a great job for us."
Game Progression and Final Score
The second quarter saw both teams battling for position. Chaney found themselves in a tight spot with a 3rd and 28 situation. Despite Gault's effort, they came up short, resulting in a turnover on downs. However, Mooney couldn't capitalize on this opportunity, and the half ended with Chaney leading 14-0.
The third quarter was a testament to both teams' resilience. Matt Jones once again showcased his speed with an 83-yard touchdown run, extending Chaney's lead. But Mooney wasn't ready to give up. A 17-yard touchdown pass to Carlos Gomes from O’Brien put them on the scoreboard. However, a missed extra point kept the score at 21-6. Mooney's determination was evident when they forced a punt from Chaney and capitalized with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Johnathan Brenner. But their missed 2-point attempt meant they were still trailing 21-12. The final quarter saw the Cowboys seal their victory with a 6-yard touchdown run by Jones, making the score 28-12.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Cardinal Mooney will face Warren Harding, who are on a two-game winning streak, including a 26-7 win over Chaney. On the other hand, Chaney will take on the 0-7 Howland Tigers. With this win, Chaney is now at #17 in Division 3 Region 9 computer points, just one spot outside of the playoffs. This victory also marks their 4th consecutive win over the Cardinals.