Varsity football: Cowboys obtain 2-0 district record with a win against South Broward

BY BRANDON BERMUDEZ

Cooper City High played their second home game of the season against South Broward High School on October 6, 2017. As the Cowboys rolled into the back end of their season, a win against South Broward would set their record to 2-0 in their district, giving them momentum for a possible district championship win. Luckily for CCHS, the Cowboys achieved this victory with a 24-6 win over the South Broward Bulldogs.

The Cowboys had just come off a victory on Monday against Hollywood Hills, but needed to show that same drive when they played against South Broward. In the first quarter, the Cowboys came out strong with a hard run from Mark Brent.. Later in the quarter, QB Michael DiLiello threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Brent. Senior Lucas Gross kicked the field goal, scoring the extra-point for the Cowboys.

In the second quarter, South Broward tried to retaliate, but the Cowboys held their ground defensively. A big running play from number 11 was a spark that South Broward was looking for and they tried to build off of this for the next few drives.The Cowboy’s offense was moving in all cylinders, as another big pass play from DiLiello went for 30 yards to Kobie Simmons. Soon after, DiLiello was able to run in and score a touchdown. Gross scored the extra point again, making the score 14-0. With 35 seconds left before the half, South Broward broke out with a huge play off a run that ended being a touchdown and putting them back in the game. South Broward missed the extra point, going into the second half with a score of 14-6.

In the 3rd quarter, the Cowboys defense continued to play well and stepped up with a huge defensive play by Brent. He intercepted the ball, giving the Cowboys the ball back. The defense for the Cowboys had another huge play by senior Landon Segarra, jumping a receiver’s route and intercepting the ball. Gross then made a field goal attempt, making the score 17-6 heading into the final quarter.

The Cowboys took a chance on kickoff in the 4th quarter with an onside kick, and were able to recover it. Late in the drive, the Cowboys scored another touchdown off a pass from DiLiello to senior Jonah Sanchez. Gross made his fourth field goal of the game, making the score 24-6. Both teams finished off playing great defense as the Cowboys went on to win 24-6 in an important district game.

“Being able to win back to back district games puts us in a great position to win the district which is our overall goal this season.” DiLiello said.. “Football isn’t a one man show, we all came together those three drives to put it in the end zone. It obviously feels great but the main thing was we got the victory and are 2-0 in the district.”

Photo by Ben Milgram