Sports Editor Justin Kline recaps the Friday, Sept. 9, Durant game from his perspective.
Nothing gets a crowd going like a come-from-behind win, and even if you couldn’t see the camouflaged Durant fans Friday, Sept. 9, you could certainly hear them.
Another year brought another thrilling finish to the Alafia River Rivalry, this time seeing the Cougars rally their way to a 20-13 win at home. Unlike last year, when Durant needed a last-second field goal to win, the Cougars’ defense stepped up at the end of the game to seal the deal.
It’s always tricky to defend against offenses like Newsome’s, as run-heavy as they are. Teams that run wing offenses have to rely on deception to gain yards, since defenses know they’ll call few passing plays. It’s the defense’s job to keep a close eye on the ball, as there are usually three people who could have the ball in their arms just after the snap.
Durant did a good job at keeping Newsome’s offense in check, despite letting the Wolves get on the scoreboard first. Although it let Newsome get the most out of its passing offense — both Wolves touchdowns were scored through the air — Durant kept Patrick Jolly from breaking loose on the ground as he did one week prior.
The Cougars could have had a lead going into the second half if not for a missed field goal that, from my angle, looked like it might have been tipped somewhat, but I suppose it’s better to be tied than behind. Durant did allow Newsome to score again fairly early in the second half but, afterward, the home team finally appeared to find its wave and ride it.
Carlton Potter and Jake Harris kept the offense humming and moving down the field, and both Myers brothers — Brandon and Cameron — got Durant the touchdowns it needed most. Brandon Myers scored first, catching a 15-yard pass in the third quarter, and Cameron Myers took a well-defended screen pass 38 yards for the final score of the game. With tight end Steven Witchoskey sidelined for several weeks, it’s good to see that the Cougars have guys who will step up in crunch time when Potter needs receiving options.
It all came down to the Cougars’ defense in the end, after the Wolves blocked Durant’s field goal attempt with 1:31 left to play.
They stuffed Newsome’s offense by forcing fourth down and broke up Drew Lindbeck’s deep ball to regain possession.
That kind of momentum is what the Cougars need heading into the Friday, Sept. 16, game at East Bay, which will open up district play. The Indians boast a 3-0 record and an offense that has scored over 30 points in two of its wins, so Durant will certainly have its hands full. But, if the Cougars have confidence in their ability to come from behind and win games, they could play spoiler to East Bay’s hot streak.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
