Two of the three Hopkins County high school football teams secured playoff berths following Nov. 8 district finales.
Como-Pickton and Cumby both punched tickets for Class 2A high school football postseason competition. Sulphur Springs was the odd team out, ending the year with a 1-9 record.
CUMBY 20, ERA 8
ERA — The Trojans survived a long road trip Friday to conclude district play with a 20-8 victory over winless Era.
The Cumby squad ends the regular season at 7-3, 2-1 in district. Era dropped to 0-10.
The Trojans were successful in all phases of the game and dominated the low-scoring game from the opening period.
“We did a lot of things right. We played well on offense, defense and on special teams. Our kids handled the two-and-a-half-hour ride up there and playing on a muddy field,” said Tom Dracos, Cumby head football coach.
Cameron Scott paced the passing game by completing 4-of-6 passes for 95 yards. Trent Wood also saw action at quarterback; he threw three passes, completing one with two interceptions.
Receivers Braden Porter caught two passes for 61 yards, Antonio Arellano had one reception for 25 yards, and Max Wippler got 9 yards on one catch.
Jacob DeMidio was a powerhouse, running the ball with 122 yards on just nine carries, scoring once for the Trojans. Scott picked up 93 yards on nine attempts, scoring twice and converting a 2-point conversion run. Logan Butler got 34 yards on two tries, and Wood picked up 24 yards on three rushing attempts.
The Trojans will advance to Class 2A bi-district action Friday, Nov. 15 at Mount Pleasant as they take on Simms Bowie (7-3, 2-1) at 7:30 p.m.
“This senior class has made the playoffs every season. They are the first Cumby class to do that. We are playing well, and we want to continue that,” Dracos said.
WOLFE CITY 43,
COMO-PICKTON 20
COMO — The final game of district play was a hard-fought loss for the Eagles, but they still managed to secure a playoff berth.
Wolfe City won 43-20 over Como-Pickton. The Wolves finished the regular season at 8-2 overall, 3-1 in district. Como-Pickton took fourth place in the district with a 4-6 season mark, 1-3 in district.
Wolfe City had an edge in the game stats with 455 total yards coming from 235 yards rushing and 220 passing in the win.
Top tacklers for the Eagles included: Braden Miller with 11, Felipe Marquez and Jackson Monk with 10 each, Caemon Wilburn, seven, Bruno Estrada, five, and four each for Cameron Ray and Kade Kaslon.
Como-Pickton picked up 172 yards on the ground from 33 rushes and threw for 47 yards.
Quarterback Jonathan Mejia of the Eagles completed 3-of-7 passes for 47 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Miller had two receptions for 39 yards, and Monk caught one pass for 8 yards.
Wilburn scored on a kickoff return for the Eagles. He had two returns for 72 total yards.
Como-Pickton advances to meet Valley View (8-2) in the first round of the playoffs. The Eagles are the home team with the game set at Princeton High School, Friday Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students.
The Eagles are coached by first-year head football coach Ronnie Green.
“I am extremely proud of our kids and the way that they have played and improved every week. They played really well Friday night against a good team. We are looking forward to being in the playoffs and playing in a nice stadium,” Green said.