Cardinals heading to the final four

COLUMBUS CARDINALS 62, FRANKLIN LIONS 42

The Columbus Cardinals made it into the final four of the UIL Playoffs after they defeated the Franklin Lions 62-42 Friday night.

The Cards offense once again was a big story as they scored 62 points to drive deeper into the playoffs.

The Cardinals intentionally left the score at 62 kneeling out their remaining offensive possessions late in that game. They did this to honor teammate Aleks Medrano, who passed away earlier this season and wore the number 62.

Adam Schobel had a typical game, he completed 12 of his 18 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Schobel has put together a fantastic senior season to this point and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Elijah Usher, Camdon Pitchford and Braylon Fisher are a three-headed monster at receiver for the Cards and Friday was a good chance to see them in action. The trio combined for 11 catches 141 yards and three touchdowns with each receiver finding the endzone.

While the passing attack was doing its thing the Cards received an extra boost of confidence on offense with the return of Grayson Rigdon. Rigdon had been dealing with a minor injury that has limited his playing time it was more precautionary to limit him because head coach Matt Schobel knew the offense was going to need him later in the playoffs.

On Friday he had no restrictions for the first time in three weeks and it was like Christmas morning for Rigdon. With his workload restored Rigdon torched the Lions defense, he carried the ball 22 times for 205 yards and three touchdowns.

Along with Rigdon’s production he also has a ton of playoff experience, and the Cards will be looking to him to help keep things steady as they advance to the next round.

Defensively the Cards put together a great first half where they held the Lions to only 14 points in the first half. John Schobel was a huge factor in Friday’s game, he was a big part of the Cardinals stopping the run.

When the Lions decided to start throwing the football Jack Schobel stepped up and came down with an interception that led to another Cardinal touchdown.

The Cards now set their sights on the Edna Cowboys in the State Semi-Finals where they will play at Rice University on Thursday, Dec. 12, with a spot in the State Championship on the line.