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The Columbus Cardinals are heading back to the Regional Finals as they continue to defend their State Championship.
This comes after the Cards’ victory over the Franklin Lions last Friday night, where they won with a score of 34-21.
The game started out with both teams getting their shots with both teams finding the endzone int he first quarter. With the game tied at 7-7, the Cards defense shut down the field in the second quarter and allowed their offense to go to work.
The Cards’ offense extended their lead in the second quarter where they scored two more touchdowns. This allowed them to carry a 21-7 lead into halftime and after the break the Cards’ defense continued to dominate.
They held Franklin scoreless again in the third quarter, which allowed the Cards offense to score once more to make the score 28-7. In the fourth quarter though, the Lions came storming back and scored two touchdowns of their own to cut into the Cards’ lead.
The Cards’ offense was up to the challenge though, and they scored one more touchdown to put the game just out of reach with a score of 34-21.
The Cards had Jack Schobel under center, and he threw only two passes Friday night. That does not seem like a lot but considering he completed both pass attempts for a total of 16 yards, it was an effective night for the Cardinals quarterback.
The Cards did throw the Lions a curveball too because they used Brody Vinklarek as quarterback for one pass. Vinklarek completed that pass for 37 yards and a touchdown which was caught by Rylan Carruthers.
On the ground is where the Cards did most of their damage and finished the game off with 33 carries for 200 yards and four touchdowns. Doc Cantu led the Cards with 14 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Behind him was Brennan Hicks who carried the bal l nine times for a total of 54 yards. Schobel carried the ball 10 times for 28 yards and two touchdowns to help lift the Cards to a victory.
The Cards now look ahead to the Regional Finals where they will face a familiar foe in the Yoakum Bulldogs on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Bastrop Memorial ISD Stadium.
