The Simpson Academy Cougars are building some momentum with back-to-back 40-point performances on offense while holding their opponents under 20 points.
The Cougars defeated the Taylorsville Tartars 40-14 with Barrett McKenney making his season debut. The game started slowly for both teams as they posted a scoreless first quarter. Both defenses were able to get a feel for what their opponents wanted to do and were able to force some turnovers.
Taylorsville scored first midway through the second quarter on a 30-yard touchdown pass. The Cougars’ first touchdown of the game came by way of the defense, thanks to a pick 6 by Sam Smith for 60 yards. The second touchdown was also scored by the defense on a blocked punt recovered by Sam Smith in the endzone for a touchdown. Back-to-back momentum- changing plays led to a 14-6 swing for the Cougars as they headed into halftime.
Congratulations to Mollie Kate Garner on being named the 2024-2025 SCA Homecoming Queen during halftime.
Following halftime the Cougar defense continued to set the tone, this time on a forced fumble in the backfield that was scooped up by Jacob Coulson and returned for a touchdown. The Cougars took a 20-6 lead following a bad snap on the extra point.
Braden Duncan ended the Tartars’ next drive with his second interception of the game, to give the Cougar offence the ball on the opponents’ 43 yard-line. The Cougar offense drove the ball down the field with tough yards from Hayes Berry in a tight I formation. They attacked the middle of the Tartar defense and were able to move into the redzone. The first offensive touchdown came on a 34-yard pass from Hayes Berry to Chanse Funchess.
Taylorsville responded after going to a quick passing game and picking up good yards after the catch. They were able to score and convert the 2-point conversion to make the score 26-14.
The Cougars began methodically pounding the football and draining the clock. They started a long march down field, and the drive was capped with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Barrett McKenney with 8:55 remaining in the game. The Cougars went up three scores with the McKenney touchdown. Taylorsville was unable to move the ball on their final drive, which resulted in a punt.
The Cougars ran the ball, killing the clock. They were able to score a final touchdown from another blocked punt that was recovered in the endzone for a touchdown. The Cougars won convincingly and had an outstanding effort from their defense.
They will face Presbyterian Christian this Friday at home.
