BY KEVIN KOPLIN
Senior quarterback Sam Wilensky evades St. Thomas defenders. The Cowboys lost to St. Thomas 27-10. Photo Credit DAVID ROSENFIELD
Wednesday, November 25 marked the end of a historic football season as 4,000 people witnessed the regional semifinal game between the Cooper City Cowboys and the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders.
St. Thomas started off the game by fumbling the opening kickoff, setting up the Cowboys in great field position, which resulted in a 23-yard field goal by senior James Zawoyski. Giving the Cowboys early 3-0 lead.
After spectacular defensive performances by both teams throughout the first half, the Cowboys remained leading 3-0. With time running out in the second quarter, CCHS drove down the field looking to add to their lead going into halftime, but a crucial throw by senior quarterback Sam Wilensky was intercepted in the end zone with seconds remaining. The Cowboys entered halftime leading 3-0.
St. Thomas started the second half by driving down the field and eventually scoring on a 2 yard run by running back Fred Coppet. Soon after, a Cowboy fumble gave St. Thomas the ball, the Raiders then quickly scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass, the score was 14-3 with 9 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
The Raiders tacked on another touchdown early in the 4th quarter on a 28-yard run by Max Lescano giving St. Thomas a 21-3 lead. The Cowboys didn’t give up however, Wilensky connected with senior Colton Rosiak on a 5-yard touchdown with 3 minutes left in the game. The Cowboys would end up losing 27-10.
The loss marked the end of an incredible year for the Cowboys, going 10-1 and winning districts for the second year in a row. The team also defeated St. Thomas for the first time during the regular season, causing them to lose their first district championship in 15 years.
