by Rachel Lamb, senior editor, Vi Burgess, executive editor & Maya Girimaji, features editor
In the season opener, Consol won 51-14 to the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs. After taking an early lead, the Tigers led throughout the game ending with a comfortable win.
After going 75 yards on opening possession, senior Tyri Merchant ran for a 26 yard touchdown early in the first quarter. With four minutes left in the first quarter, senior Mason Hickson threw a 29- yard touchdown pass to Kolby Peel. Consol held on to their lead, entering the second quarter 14-0.
Less than a minute into the second quarter Hickson’ impressive 8 yard touchdown scramble on third and seven made the score 21-0. Later in the second quarter, the Bulldawgs finally got on the board after a long kickoff run and a 50- yard touchdown run, putting the score at 21-7. Soon after, sophomore Cade Williams’ 19- yard field goal gave Consol a 24-7 lead. With 3:20 left in the first half, Hickson found Peel again for a 36- yard touchdown pass, making the score 31-7 with 3 minutes left in the half. On the last play of the half the Bulldawg’s blocked Cade Williams 30- yard field goal, ending the second quarter 31-7.
At the end of the first half, Consol had 428 total offensive yards, and 22 yards, compared to Copperas Cove’s 142 yards. Impressively, Merchant had 178 yards, and Hickson threw two touchdown passes.
Consol started the second with a strong lead. Another touchdown run from Merchant put Consol at 38-7 early in the third quarter. Later sophomore Trevor Williams recovered a bad snap in the end zone giving Consol a significant 45-7 lead, which they maintained until the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Hickson threw a touchdown pass to senior Rodney Jernigan: the following kick failed, giving Consol a 51-7 lead over the Bulldawgs. Consol had its first turnover of the game allowing the Bulldawgs a 33-yard touchdown pass with 4:10 left in the fourth quarter finally leaving the score at 51-14.
Check out a gallery of the night below:
The Tigers’ second game of the year will be Friday, Sep. 11, against Ft. Bend Elkins at home. For full real-time sports coverage and breaking news follow us on twitter @theroarnews .
