Varsity season has a bitter-sweet ending

By
Cougar Staff
 – November 14, 2006Posted in: A1B, Sports

Senior Eric Roberson eludes the tackleThe Cougars went on the road to face the St. Mary’s Panthers on November 4. After suffering a homecoming defeat, the Cougars were hoping to pull off their biggest win of the season by beating their cross-town rivals. The Cougar faithful showed up in solid numbers to root on their team.

Things didn’t look good for the Cougars in the first half. They fell behind and had to make up a fifteen-point deficit. As well, star running back/safety/punt returner Eric Roberson had to leave the game with leg cramps and his return was questionable.

However, the second half began and the Cougars came out fired up. They erased the deficit and took the lead from the Panthers in the fourth quarter. St. Mary’s took the lead back again, but Albany grabbed it for good. Roberson was able to return to the game and run in the game-winning touchdown with just over three minutes left, following a key fourth-down run by quarterback Ari Colby. When the clock ran out the scoreboard read: Albany: 36, St. Mary’s: 33.

The Cougars doused Coach Scott Shevelson with a cooler of water in celebration and some of the fans ran on the field to celebrate.

Albany looked to finish the season strong at Contra Costa College against the winless Kennedy Eagles on November 11.

The game started off well for the Cougars as they took a two-score lead in the first half, but the Eagles made a comeback toward the end and closed the gap to 26-21 at halftime.

The Eagles came out ready in the second half as well. They took the lead from the Cougars, and the game was tied as the end of the fourth quarter neared. It was clear the game would be decided on the final few possessions.

The Eagles scored a touchdown to take the lead with just over two minutes left. On the ensuing drive, the Cougars threw an interception, giving Kennedy the ball back. The Eagles ran the clock out, dealing the Cougars a tough loss. Final score, Albany: 34, Kennedy: 40.

While the season may not have been picture-perfect, it is acknowledged that this year’s football team was clearly improved and hopefully next year’s team can build on that.