Visiting Cougars claim big victory over Jefferson

CLINTON – In what was anticipated to be a showdown, was just that. The visiting Cougars had quite a challenge Friday night slowing the run game of the home team Jefferson. The Cougars would prevail as time ran out in regulation with a score of 34-20.

The Cougars came into the contest a bit battered and bruised, as a few starters were out nursing injuries. That didn’t stop the “next man up” mentality, as the Cougars would match up with Jefferson on all sides of the ball. The Cougars would strike first in the contest, scoring on a Jordan Jones TD run.

Jordan would have his best game to date this season with 300yards rushing. Jefferson would then even the contest. with time winding down in the first quarter, the Cougars would then score again.

Both defenses had difficulty early stopping each other’s running attack. The back and forth scoring pace would fizzle a bit as Jefferson scored twice more before half, making the contest 20-14.

The Cougars took over from there, shutting Jefferson out the entire second half of the contest. Jordan Jones and the Cougars would score once in the third quarter, making the contest a tie game.

With time running out, the Cougars marched down the field for a Tyler Halsted run. With the two-point conversion, the Cougars went up 28-20. Jefferson would falter a snap on the next series, and Cole Ciochon would run that back for an additional score, as time ran out.

This game was a great team victory as every aspect of the Cougars worked together. The Cougars had fewer mistakes and penalties. As always the Cougar faithful was there to cheer the boys on.

Next week’s game has playoff seeding implications, but does not hurt the Cougars’ conference record. With this win, along with losses from Big Foot, and Brodhead, the Clinton Cougars are now Co-Champs of the Rock Valley South. Congratulations!

Angie Forrest photo

Clinton’s Austin Beaumont makes the tackle on Jefferson’s quarterback. See more photos of Friday’s game inside.