The Simpson Academy Cougars season ended after a tough game against Leake Academy. The Cougars advanced to the second round of the playoffs in a matchup against division opponent Leake, where they fell 36-45.
It was a rematch from an earlier game this season with higher stakes. The Cougars gave great effort and played a highly competitive game that was close through two quarters with the Cougars trailing 6-10 at halftime.
Both teams made adjustments during the break and the points came rolling in fast as both offenses took off. Leake scored on a passing touchdown early in the third quarter to take a 17-6 lead. The Cougars answered immediately with a 40-yard touchdown run by Barrett McKenney that cut into the deficit but not for long. Leake scored a minute later on a 75-yard touchdown pass, pushing their lead to 24-13.
The Cougars responded with another scoring drive. They had success with a balanced attack moving the ball down the field. Barrett McKenney connected with his brother Brady McKenney for a 35-yard touchdown pass to bring the Cougars within four points. The Cougars trailed 20-24 at the end of the third quarter.
Leake possessed the ball to start the fourth quarter and scored on a 25-yard touchdown pass. Leake’s defense was able to get a stop, and they scored again with six minutes to go in the game to take a 38-20 lead over the Cougars.
The Cougars showed no signs of quitting, and Sam Smith brought the fans to their feet with an electrifying 90-yard kick return for a touchdown. The Cougars converted a two-point conversion to make the score 28-38 with 6 minutes left to play. Leake began using as much clock as possible and was able to sustain a four-minute drive that ended with a touchdown.
Trailing 28-45 with less than 2 minutes remaining, the game seemed all but over. However, the Cougars stayed true to their traditions and continued to fight until the final whistle. Barrett McKenney scored a 25-yard rushing touchdown, and followed up with a pass completed to Brady McKenney for a two-point conversion for a final score of 36-45.
The Cougars fought through adversity the entire season and demonstrated what it means to play Simpson football. They approached each game giving maximum effort. The senior players demonstrated great leadership and left their mark on the program.
When asked about this Senior Class, Head Coach Todd Mangum said, “I’ve watched these guys grow up as football players and young men. I've been with them their entire high school career. They have meant a lot to this program and will be truly missed.”
Great season, Cougars!
