Cards lose first game of the year in overtime

The Columbus Cardinals lost their first game of the year to the Hitchcock Bulldogs 37-36 in an overtime thriller on Friday, Oct. 25, in Hitchcock.

The Cardinals had to battle some early adversity and never gave up and continued to battle that adversity all the way till the end of the game.

Starting off the Cardinals offense was almost nonexistent and fell behind 13-0 to Hitchcock after the first quarter. Knowing that Hitchcock is not a team they want to be trailing heading into halftime the Cardinals offense woke up.

They were able to get themselves back into the game before halftime and even took the lead. The Cardinals held onto a 14-13 lead going into halftime and set up what would be an electric and exciting second half of football.

Holding onto a one-point lead the Cards came out in the second half looking to extend their lead. Hitchcock was up to the challenge as well though and their defense went right back to work shutting down the Cardinals offense.

The Cardinals’ run game was the big target for the Hitchcock defense and they did an excellent job of sealing up holes in the defensive line, keeping Grayson Rigdon in check. Rigdon ran for only 16 yards on four carries while the rushing attack racked up only 51 yards of offense.

Hitchcock scored 10 points in the third quarter while shutting out the Cardinals to take a 23-14 lead into the fourth and final quarter. While the running game was struggling the passing attack was still humming for the Cardinals and they came up big in the fourth quarter.

The Cards scored 16 points and held Hitchcock to seven points to leave the game tied at 30-30. Adam Schobel’s arm talent was on full display completing 22 of his 40 pass attempts for 379 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

With the game tied the Cards were ready to step on the gas and close this game out. Hitchcock scored first but the Cards responded and were in prime position to win the game, but Hitchcock’s defense came up huge to hang onto a one-point lead to win the game.

The Cards will be back in action on Friday, Nov. 1, when they take on Hallettsville on their home field in Columbus looking to get their win back.