Three games, three down-to-the-wire finishes for the NCCS White Cougars! Today, the boys played host to the Ridgefield Academy Patriots who came out hot, scoring a quick touchdown on their first possession. After getting stopped on downs (and a quick discussion about rules with the officials) right afterwards, NCCS was in need of a big play, and that is just what S Topher Kern provided, snagging his first of three interceptions on the day.

With momentum on their side, QB Griffin Stallmeyer dialed up a big pass to the endzone on first and goal. The defender was in good position and got his hands on the ball, but RB Archer MacLear was right behind him and snagged the ball for a Cougar score. That's why we practice the tip drill!

Over the next twenty minutes of game play, things swung back and forth. To keep pace for the Cougars, QB Topher Kern dialed up a moonball to WR Parker Griggs (fresh back from injury) who juggled the ball five yards before securing it in the endzone. RB Archer MacLear later added to his rushing resume by taking a sweep half the field for another score. However, Ridgefield hadn't stopped scoring either, and because of their success on one point conversions, they held a 20-18 lead going into the game's final minutes.

The Cougars needed to score, and boy did Ridgefield make them earn it. On fourth and goal, Topher threw his best pass of the day, a 15 yard laser through three layers of zone that WR Parker Griggs hauled in in the back of the endzone with a toetap. Cougars lead 24-20.

With three minutes to go, the Cougars played their best defense of the day, generating multiple coverage sacks, an interception, AND another stop on downs when RA got the ball back for one more chance. On the last play of the game, the RA QB heaved it up to the back corner of the endzone, but it fell incomplete.

Great win, fellas! Next week, GFA comes to town on Tuesday for the first matchup in a two-week home and away series. See you in a then!