Rice ground game too much for Cobras

By Michael Brooks

Sports Writer

    The Bi-District playoff game between the Industrial Cobras and the Rice Raiders looked to be an evenly matched game on paper. On the field, the Cobras stayed within seven points the entire game but were unable to stop one Raider running back and never could get over the hump and take the lead. In the end, the Raiders prevailed with a 21-14 victory that ended the Cobras season.

    When Rice took their first offensive possession and drove steadly down the field, it became apparent that their big running back, Tarris Fields would be their go-to back as he drove through and over Cobra defenders on the first Raider drive. Fields entered the game with the third most rushing yards for his team on the season, with just under 500, but using his size made it a tough task for the Cobra defense to bring him down. Fields finished off the opening Rice drive with a 6 yard touchdown run that gave the Raiders a 7-0 lead, but the Cobras immediately answered back.

    On the first play of the second Cobra drive, Derrick Cann burst free up the middle for a 58 yard touchdown run and Industrial tied the game right back up at 7.

    On the following kick off, the Cobras went for, and recovered, an onside kick. They seemed to have all the momentum but were unable to put together a drive.

    Moving in to the second quarter, the Raiders were once again putting together a drive, but this time Fields fumbled and the Cobras defense recovered but the Industrial offense was again unable to do anything with the ball.

    The final three minutes of the first half proved to be extremely exciting but also a last second Raider drive turned out to be the game winning touchdown.

*For the full article, buy a Jackson County Herald Tribune newspaper or purchase an online subscription.