Cochrane High School Cobras started their Rocky View Sports Association play-offs campaign with a bang at home, beating Springbank Community High School Phoenix 46-7 on Oct. 24.
Cobras, who are the number-one ranked Tier 3 high school football team in the province, got off to an explosive start, as Phoenix were plagued by turnovers early on, leading to Cole Avery scoring Cobras first touchdown after an interception a couple minutes into the first-quarter.
From there, it was a Cobras offensive master class as Phoenix’s drives were stopped short by misplaced passes, and solid defence from the home team.
“It was a good game, I thought we played well,” said Cobras co-head coach and offensive coordinator Rob McNab. “Our defence got that pick early, and that changed things. We needed to get on the field as offence and get our reps in.”
The second-quarter started with a solid drive from Cobras leading to a TD by quarterback Tae Gordon. Phoenix fumbled the ball from the ensuing kick return, leading to a TD from Cobras linebacker Ethan Forrest. Receiver Spencer Marchand, and slotback Erik Nusl rounded off the scoring, giving the home side a comfortable 33-0 lead at half-time.
Cobras slotback Zach Rabe scored a TD on the first drive of the third-quarter, before Marchand recorded his second touchdown of the game as Cobras went up 46-0 going into the final quarter.
Numerous turnovers from both teams made for some shoddy football in the fourth, as Springbank scored their solitary TD through running-back David Taylor.
“We were a lot better than we were the last time we played them,” Phoenix head coach Tony Lucas said. “We made it harder for them.
“I’m happy with how we did, even though the score didn’t go our way.”
Cobras next host George McDougall High School (4-1 regular-season). McNab says his team will be doing a lot of work on and off the field this week in preparation for what could be one of the most draining games of their season so far.
“We’re going to be spending a lot of time watching film,” McNab said. “That’s the key to our success year after year after year. We take the time in the film room and we’ll take the time at practice to rest bodies when we need to.
“McDougall are a very physical team,” he continued. “They’ll be prepared, and we’ll be prepared. It’s going to be two good teams going at it.
“Now, the fun begins.”
Cobras next game is at home on Oct.31 against George McDougall. Kick-off is 12 p.m.
Phoenix are at home against Chestermere Oct. 30. Kick-off is 4 p.m.
