The varsity Cougar football team lost a close game to the Milano Eagles this past Friday night in Travis. The Cougar football team falls to 2-7 overall and 1-4 in district play heading in to their last match-up this Friday against Hearne.

The Cougars came out strong with the first touchdown of the night in the first quarter on a 12 yard run by Ethan Easley. Ty Stock added the extra point to put the Cougars on the scoreboard. The Eagles answered almost immediately with a 52 yard pass for a touchdown. The Eagles followed it almost immediately with another 61 yard pass for another touchdown. The game then became a chess match between the two teams, each scoring touchdowns to match the other until Milano pulled away in the thrid quarter.

Cougar’s quarterback Haven Mortimer went 6 for 19 for a total of 128 yards and Ty Taylor complimented with 1 pass for 11 yards for a total of 139 yards. Demetrio Castillo led the Cougars in rushing yards with a total of 66 yards. Ty Taylor, John Paul Reyna and Ethan Easley added in 120 yards for a total of 221 yards rushing.

During the second quarter, Easley and Mortimer added points to the board with touchdowns of their own and ties the game until Milano’s Christian Therman caught a 14 yard pass from Nick Grimes for a touchdown and the lead of the game.The Cougars were unable to score in the third quarter but the Eagles were able to convert a 2 yard run to take the score two touchdowns ahead of the Cougars.

The Cougars then began to show life again with a touchdown on a fumble return by Graham Kahlig to bring the Cougars within a touchdown on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, the Cougars were unable to convert any more downs and the Milano Eagles walked away with the victory.

Next, the Cougars face the Hearne Eagles in the last game of the 2018 football season. Hearne comes into the match with a 3-6 overall record and 3-2 in district play, known for their explosive offense and abundance of playmakers. The Cougars major concern is “containing their speed,” said Coach Brad Ballard. “And also not having any turnovers.” Since the Cougars are not worried about a playoff berth, the team can concentrate on finishing the season strong with a win.

The Cougars will travel to Hearne on Friday, November 9 to face the Eagles, beginning at 7:30.