Game story: Cypress Creek 39, Langham Creek 28

By HEATHER BURR
The Athlete's Connection

Cypress Creek’s defense forced five turnovers while the Cougar offense capitalized for a 39-28 win over Langham Creek Saturday night at the Berry Center in the District 15-5A opener for both teams.

“I thought our defense played exceptionally well,” Cy Creek coach Greg McCaig said. “We talk all the time about how we need to create turnovers and tonight they created five. That was a big deal.”

In the first 13 minutes, the Cougar defense forced a fumble and grabbed an interception which led to two touchdowns, each by quarterback Austin Pugliese. Cy Creek intercepted Langham Creek quarterback Will Bryant four times.

Pugliese, a senior, rushed for a game-high 137 yards.

“Austin did a real nice job,” McCaig said. “He played on varsity last year as a receiver mostly. The thing about Austin is the kids respond to him. They feel good about what he’s doing because he’s a leader.”

Cy Creek racked 30 points in the first half. Kicker Jordan Owens opened the game with a field goal, Steven McCaig connected with Pugliese for a 9-yard touchdown grab, and Tent O’Conner ran 7-yards for the final score in the first half.

“I thought we did a great job holding the ball in the first half,” McCaig said. “We’re pretty explosive with the ball at times. We’ve got some weapons out there.”

The Cougar defense was strong the first half, holding Langham Creek to one touchdown but fell a little in the second.

“In the second half, you could tell that we’re young,” McCaig said. “We did stupid things and we gave up some big plays.”

The Lobos, down 33-14 in the fourth, pulled out two surprising plays that brought the score closer and pressure on Cy Creek.

Bryant hiked the ball then immediately tossed to wide receiver Brett Reece who threw 55-yards to Mitchell Juergens for a touchdown.

Minutes later, on the Lobos’ next possession, Bryant hiked the ball then immediately tossed to wide receiver Garrett Juergens who threw to M. Juergens, bringing them within 15-yards of a score. Bryant went on to connect with Reece for the six points.

Cy Creek responded with a game-sealing touchdown from Brent Mitcham, a 50-yard catch with 7:18 left.

“We responded when it counted,” McCaig said.