CARDS ADVANCE TO ROUND 3

The Columbus Cardinals have advanced to Round three of the UIL Playoffs after winning the Area Championship.

The Cardinals defeated the Palestine Westwood Panthers Friday night with a score of 48-26 to win the Area Championship and advance to the third round.

The Cards started the game off very string as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter. The Cards carried this lead into the second quarter, but Westwood broke the shutout shortly after.

Westwood scored 12 points in the second quarter to cut into the Cards’ lead and give themselves a chance in this game. Fortunately, the Cards offense did not slow down in the second quarter and scored two more touchdowns to keep a healthy and comfortable lead.

The Cards held a 28-12 lead at halftime, and in the third quarter they continued to pour on the points. In the third quarter, the Cards scored two more touchdowns to extend their lead to 4212 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, though it was Westwood that scored twice to trim down the Cards’ lead but there was not enough time for Westwood to complete the comeback, and the Cards were victorious.

The Cards were led on offense by Jack Schobel, who was under center and had one of his best games of the year. He completed all three of his passing attempts for 60 yards and a passing touchdown.

Rylan Carruthers was the recipient of Schobel’s passing touchdown and was also the leading receiver in the game with two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown.

On the ground, the Cards did a lot of damage as they scored six rushing touchdowns Friday night. They were led by Schobel, who carried the ball nine times for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Close behind him was Doc Cantu who also carried the ball nine times but for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Then it was Brennan Hicks and Jayden Spaulding who carried the ball five times and 10 times respectively.

Though they had a different amount of carries, they both ran for 77 yards and a touchdown Friday night to help lift the Cards to a win. Then finally Britton Wolters and Amari Stovall combined for 30 rushing yards to arrive at 404 total rushing yards and six touchdowns which boosted them to an Area Championship.

The Cards now set their sights on Round Three where they are set to take on a strong opponent in the Franklin Lions on Friday. Nov. 28. At 7 p.m., at Tomball ISD Stadium.