In a thrilling Friday night heavyweight matchup between Coppell and Denton Guyer, Coppell senior safety Alex Kraus emerged as a standout player. Kraus’ defensive heroics included two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, the second of which came with just 1:02 left in the game, securing Coppell’s 31-24 victory at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex and preserving their undefeated record.
Coppell’s (5-0, 2-0) final score came under unusual circumstances that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. The Cowboys lined up for a field goal attempt, but it was blocked by Guyer (3-2, 1-1). The ball bounced forward to the 20-yard line, where a Guyer player touched it but failed to gain full possession. Kraus pounced on the loose ball and returned it about 15 yards for what initially looked like a touchdown. However, the officials ruled Kraus down at the 5-yard line. On the very next play, senior running back O’Marion Mbakwe punched it in, extending Coppell’s lead to 31-17 with 9:59 left in the fourth quarter.
Coppell’s offensive surge came after a slow start. After Guyer opened the scoring with a 46-yard field goal just three minutes into the game, Kraus quickly turned the tide. He intercepted a pass on Guyer’s next possession and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown, giving Coppell an early lead. Although Kraus is primarily a safety, he moved into a linebacker role after his second interception. Coppell’s offense managed just 28 yards in the first quarter and 103 by halftime but took a 14-10 lead into the break.
Following Kraus’ pick-six, Guyer responded with a score of their own. However, Coppell answered with a nine-play drive capped by senior quarterback Edward Griffin connecting with senior receiver Ethan Schuy on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 1:14 left in the first half, giving the Cowboys a 14-10 advantage. Griffin finished the game with 251 passing yards and two touchdowns.
In the third quarter, Coppell extended their lead with a methodical 61-yard drive in 13 plays, ending with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Griffin to senior receiver Harry Hassman. Guyer responded with an 84-yard drive of their own, capped by a 28-yard field goal from Bryson Patten, making it 24-17 heading into the fourth quarter.
Early in the fourth, Coppell’s defense made a critical stop on a fourth-and-2 Guyer rushing attempt, setting up the Cowboys’ final score. Kraus’ second fumble recovery came just over a minute before the end, sealing the win.
Guyer’s Kevin Sperry put in a commendable effort, throwing for 172 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 101 yards on 14 carries. Despite his performance, Guyer fell to 3-2 on the season.
With this win, Coppell improved to 5-0 and extended their road winning streak to eight games, dating back to last season. The Cowboys will look to stay unbeaten as they host Little Elm next Friday at Buddy Echols Field.
