The Copper Basin Cougars got their first taste of action Friday, August 13, as they traveled to Loudon County, Tennessee, to take on the McMinn Central Chargers. The Cougars and Chargers only played for one quarter in the jamboree, but there were many offensive explosions from both sides.
McMinn Central jumped out first scoring a touchdown to lead the Cougars 7-0 early in the quarter. Copper Basin settled in as quarterback Joe Boggs and running back Sebastian Balilies led the Cougars down the field. Boggs made smart decisions and Balilies ran hard to keep the chains moving. Jonathan Johnson made a circus-like catch to put the ball in Chargers’ territory, and after a hard run by Baililes, Johnson made another catch for a big gain. The Cougars made it to the redzone where Boggs muscled his way to paydirt on a quarterback keeper.
Tucker Rhodes’ extra point was good as the Cougars tied up the game 7-7 with 5:41 to go in the quarter.
McMinn Central got the ball back and ended up scoring again to make it 14-7 Chargers, but the Cougars got the ball back and started moving the chains. Unfortunately, time expired before Copper Basin could score as the Chargers won the scrimmage 14-7. Cougars head coach Chad Grabowski said, “I was happy with how we performed in the scrimmage. Sebastian (Balilies) ran hard and Joe (Boggs) looked good running the offense. I am looking forward to the start of the season on Friday night at home against Polk County.”
The Cougars are set to kick off Friday, August 20, at 7:30 p.m. against the Polk County Wildcats.