The Copper Basin ended the 2022 season on the road, as they traveled to South Pittsburg to take on the defending Class A Champion Pirates Friday, October 28. The Cougars got the lead early, and played well on the night, but South Pittsburg was too much in the end, defeating Basin by a score of 63-20.
Copper Bain jumped out on top after receiving the opening kickoff, as sophomore quarterback Cade Dean found fellow sophomore Talon Smith for a 78 yard touchdown with 9:04 left in the opening quarter, to take a quick 6-0 lead after the two-point conversion was no good.
South Pitt answered, scoring with 8:14 left in the quarter to take a 7-6 lead. The Pirates added another touchdown with 3:52 left to take a 14-6 lead.
The Cougars got on the scoreboard again as Dean connected with senior Isaac Deal on a 17 yard touchdown pass to cut the Pirate lead to 42-13, as freshman Tucker Rhodes was good on the extra point.
Copper Basin scored their final touchdown on the night late in the fourth quarter as Dean found senior AJ Fitchett for another touchdown, and after another successful extra point by Rhodes, to make the final score 63-20.
Head Coach Chad Grabowski was pleased with his team’s efforts for the night, as well as how they’ve grown throughout the 2022 season. “I was pleased with how they started the game and finished the game. They played hard throughout the whole game and did a great job. I’m very pleased with how hard they all played all year and didn’t give up at any time this year and kept fighting no matter the score. We are going to miss the seniors and we wish them well on their next journey in life! Love all you guys!
We made huge strides from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Not only could you see that on the scoreboard but you could see it on the field on how they played each week against one of the toughest schedules we have had since I have been here. But the boys kept playing hard each week and practiced hard each week to improve. I’m very proud of this team and how they stuck together and never gave up on each other.”
Scoring Summary:
1 2 3 4 - Final
CBHS 6 7 0 7 - 20
SPHS 21 35 7 0 - 63
BY JOHN SPARGO