The Collinsville Pirates remain undefeated on the season after a 14-0 victory on the road against the Cooper Bulldogs on Sept. 5.
The game, like many in the area, was first delayed and then canceled due to lightning and strong storms.
The game began with a defensive battle as the Bulldogs forced the Pirates to go three-and-out on their first possession and then held them to two total first downs during their next two drives.
Collinsville’s defense was equally as tough, with back-to-back interceptions by Pirates defensive back Chad Davidson on Cooper’s first two drives.
The Pirates’ offense finally found their sea legs in the second quarter after their defense forced a turnover on downs on Cooper’s third possession.
Backup quarterback Paxton Davidson, who filled in for injured starting quarterback Jaxon Jenkins, completed a short pass to receiver Landry Spivey to get the drive started.
Collinsville capped off their 17-play drive, a mix of runs and passes, with a 2-yard touchdown run from Davidson to take a 7-0 lead near the end of the half after a successful extra point kick by Isaiah Smith.
The Pirates’ defense forced their second turnover on downs, sending the teams into the halftime locker room with Collinsville holding onto a 7-0
lead.
Sometimes momentum is gained when you least expect it, and that is what happened on the opening kickoff of the second half.
Momentum swung further in Collinsville’s direction after a Pirates gunner recovered the opening kick of the second half, securing possession for the Pirates on the Bulldog 27yard line.
Four plays later, Pirates running back Brandon Cantu found the end zone from 10 yards out, putting Collinsville up 14-0 in the third quarter after another successful extra point kick from Smith.
On the ensuing Cooper possession, the Bulldogs gained 10 yards before lightning struck near Bulldog Stadium, forcing the officials to send both teams to the locker rooms and emptying the metal bleachers.
Roughly an hour after the game was paused, officials, coaches and administrators met and decided to cancel the nondistrict contest, and the Collinsville Pirates were awarded their second victory of the season.
Paxton finished 8-16 for 69 yards passing while adding 30 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Chase Sheppard led the Pirates with 32 yards rushing, followed by Cantu, who had 27 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Collinsville will look to move their record to 3-0 when they travel to Callisburg to face the Wildcats at 7 p.m. Friday.
Assistant editor Martin Edwards contributed to this report.
