RECTOR - So much for expecting the Rector Cougars to be a little rusty after not seeing a live competition for three weeks.
Rector, seeing its first on-field opponent since its regular season finale on Oct. 20, seemed well rested and as sharp as ever Friday night as they used an explosive running game to race by the beat-up Woodlawn Bears, 48-0, in the first round of the Class 2A eight-man playoffs at Cougar Stadium.
Rector, which improved to 8-0 with the victory, lived up to its no. 1 ranking as the North Conference regular season champions managed to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in building a 42-0 lead by halftime, activating the running clock for the final two quarters of the game.
Woodlawn, the no. 4 seed from the South Conference, played without starting fullback/ linebacker Brayden Jones, while several other skill players ended up gimpy in the game as well. The Bears finish the year with a 5-5 record.
With the victory, Rector advanced to the state semifinals to face 2022 defending state champion Izard County.
It was evident early on that it was going to be Rector's night as the Cougars recovered Woodlawn's onside kick attempt to start the game, and on the next first offensive snap of the night, senior quarterback Drew Henderson fumbled for what looked like was going to be about a four-yard loss but instead picked it up for a four-yard gain.
Two plays later, Henderson ripped off a 25-yard run to the Bears' 11 and senior Jacob Cox scored on the next play. Woodlawn's Brayden Kitchens and Aden Moore stopped Henderson on the two-point conversion attempt to leave the Coogs with a 6-0 lead at the 10:20 mark of the first quarter.
Woodlawn did force Rector to punt on its next possession, and the Bears marched from their own 26 to the Cougar 40 before a six-yard loss on third down pass attempt forced Woodlawn to punt. The line-drive kick went just seven yards, setting up ...
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