(Anita, IA) – The CAM Cougars had one of the closest games that they have had all season. CAM came into the fourth quarter in their last game against West-Bend Mallard down by 12. Not only were they able to make a push to bring the game closer, they earned the 36-34 win over the Wolverines. Head coach Barry Bower was proud of his team on both the offensive and defensive ends, allowing just six total points in the second half after giving up 28 in the second quarter. The Cougars used that pressure to keep the offense marching down the field with under a minute left to get the game-winning touchdown.
The defense was not all-in for the first half of action against West-Bend Mallard as they were not able to hold the Wolverines in the first half. In the second half, they came out looking like an entirely different team as they were able to hold the Wolverines to just six points in the second half. However, West-Bend Mallard was able to push the running game down the throats of the Cougars with 397 total rushing yards. CAM adjusted in the second half and kept them scoreless in the fourth quarter to let the offense do their job and put them back on top.
Chase Spieker had a great game on the ground and in the air for the Cougars. Spieker went 15-26 for 238 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game. In the ground game, the junior rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns. Not only was he resilient, but so was his offensive line which bought him the time that he needed to make the big plays happen downfield.
CAM takes the long haul this Thursday to Bishop Garrigan, a team that just upset Remsen St. Mary’s 21-18. The Golden Bears rely primarily upon their rushing game as they had 208 rushing yards for two touchdowns in their last competition. They were primarily reliant on Caden Roethler as he had 147 of the 208 rushing yards and had both touchdowns. CAM will have to attack a little more on defense and get ready for a physical contest.
Bishop Garrigan was able to hold the Hawks to just 18 points, their third lowest-scoring game this season. The Golden Bears have stat-leading defenders this season with Brody Ludwig, Keaton Helleseth, and Ethan Marso who all had over 28 tackles and five sacks each this year. Coach Bower even pointed out Benjy Trainer who has 37 tackles and one sack this season as he is a player that forces teams to go up the middle with his outside protection on defense. CAM will have to face this challenge head-on and play their best football.
CAM kicks off at Bishop Garrigan High School this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. This game will be broadcast on KSOM 96.5 FM and audio streamed on our website at westerniowatoday.com with Zach Collins and Austin West on the call. The pregame show will begin at 6:30 p.m. after the In the Huddle Show.
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