A high scoring offense from the Cougars was not enough Thursday, August 2, when they took on the Bradley Knights. Copper Basin led for the first half, but ultimately fell 42-32.
Copper Basin drew blood first as Dontae Barber found his way into the endzone on a three-yard touchdown run. After the failed extra point, Basin led 6-0.
Bradley got the ball to start their drive, but an interception by Tucker Rhodes gave the ball back to Copper Basin at the 10-yard line. On the next play, Rhodes shimmied into the endzone on a 10-yard run. After the failed extra point, the Cougars led 12-0.
Bradley was able to quickly answer back, however, with a 48-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was no good as they trailed the Cougars 12-6.
Copper Basin got the ball back and Rhodes later responded with a 30-yard touchdown gallop making the score 20-6 after punching in the two-point conversion.
The Knights went to the air on the next drive to score on a 76-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion was good as Copper Basin clung to a 20-14 lead.
The Cougars were able to pad their lead immediately as Rhodes returned the kick off 76-yard for a touchdown to give the Cougars a 26-14 lead after the failed two-point conversion.
The Knights closed the gap with a 59-yard touchdown dart to make it 26-22 after the two-point conversion.
Bradley took their first lead of the game shortly after on a 61-yard quarterback keeper to make it 28-26 after the failed two-point conversion.
Rhodes had a monster game for the Cougars, as he broke off a 40-yard run to give Copper Basin a 32-28 lead after the failed two-point conversion.The Knights were able to reclaim the lead and go on to win 42-32 as time expired in the game.
Rhodes finished the game with 10 rushes for 124 yards, three rushing touchdowns, 23 passing yards, and 269 total yards.
Quarterback Dawson Pittman had 13 rush attempts for 70 yards and 34 yards passing. Pittman had 134 yards of total offense and had five tackles on defense as well.
Barber rushed for 18 yards in the game and one touchdown. Barber also had two pass break ups and a tackle on defense.
Copper Basin Middle School Coach Brady Ledford said, “Very proud of this young team and the way they are improving. We are heading in the right direction and should start seeing some wins in the near future!”