The Simpson Academy Cougars delivered up a hard-fought 21-14 victory over Oak Forest Academy last Friday night, using a strong second-half defensive performance and timely offensive execution to pull away in what was a tightly contested matchup.
After a scoreless opening quarter, the action picked up in the second as junior standout Jacob Coulson continued his impressive season, powering into the end zone for the Cougars’ first touchdown of the game. The Simpson defense came up big late in the half when Wilkes Berry intercepted a pass, setting the stage for a momentum-shifting drive. Backup QB Cannon McAlpin capitalized on the turnover, connecting with Kolt Walker on a 24-yard touchdown strike to knot the game at 14-14 heading into halftime.
Simpson found its breakthrough midway through the third quarter. With just under seven minutes remaining in the period, Walker once again made his mark, running a smooth double move that left his defender behind. Quarterback Braxton Baldwin hit him perfectly in stride for the go-ahead score, giving the Cougars a 21-14 lead they would not relinquish.
From that point on, the Cougar defense took control, shutting down Oak Forest’s offensive attack and holding them scoreless throughout the second half. Strong tackling, disciplined coverage, and relentless pressure sealed the victory and showcased the unit’s growth and resilience.
It was a complete team win for the Cougars, who have now built solid momentum as they prepare for a key road matchup against Copiah Academy this Friday. With confidence growing on both sides of the ball, the Cougars look poised to keep their winning streak alive.