Joaquin ousted by Cooper 33-11

The Joaquin Rams season came to a close after a tough loss to the Cooper Bulldogs in the third round of playoff action. Joaquin made their way past Leon and Beckville on their way to the Region III Semifinals. The Rams finished the season behind the Timpson Bears giving them the runner-up position from 2A Division I District 11.

The Bulldogs entered the contest undefeated at 12-0, while the Rams sported a highly respectable 9-2. Both teams are run-first offenses devoted to grinding out the hard yardage before eventually breaking big runs.

Joaquin received the opening kickoff and fought hard as they marched down the field to the red zone. The key play on the drive came on a 33-yard Gauge Jordan pass to Malik Stotts. Stotts caught the ball down the field and stumbled forward for around 10 yards after the catch before going to the ground.

Unfortunately, the Rams were unable to capitalize on the drive and were held on a fourth down to give Cooper the football. The teams traded possessions a few times from there, ending the first quarter scoreless.

Finally, with 2:45 left in the half, Cooper capped off a long drive with a touchdown and the extra point putting them up 7-0. The Rams were able to drive down the field quickly and efficiently, but their possession ended once again in the red zone where Jose Bravo tacked on three points from the 13yard line.

Returning from halftime, Joaquin found themselves in a tight spot. Trailing 7-3, they were forced to kick the ball to the Bulldogs. Cooper was able to capitalize on the possession and went up 13-3.

Joaquin was able to get some traction on the ensuing drive. Eventually, Cooper was able to bring up a fourth and four for the Rams. Joaquin marched out the punt team, but with Justyn Brown set to kick, the Rams pulled a trick play out of their sleeve. Rather than kick, Brown aired out a pass to Maddox Hutchins for a 21-yard gain and a first down.

The Rams continued toward their endzone but were eventually stymied by a goal line interception. Cooper then proceeded to drive down the field to put themselves up 19-3.

The next possession for the Rams would end with a turnover on downs, and Cooper would ultimately go up 26-3.

The final score of the Joaquin season was a big 20-yard touchdown run up the middle by Andre Brown. He also tacked on the two-point conversion on a run to the right giving Joaquin a total of 11.

Brown was a critical piece for the Rams all night. He was able to grind out tough yards throughout this ballgame.

Although their season has come to an end, the Rams have no reason to hang their heads. Their efforts this season landed them among the final 16 teams in the state. Their hard-fought matchups with powerhouse teams like Timpson and Beckville stand as a testament to just h ow well this team performed.