Cordova eliminates Straughn

STRAUGHN — Straughn’s season came to an end Friday night, as Cordova defeated the Tigers 13-7.

The game was scoreless through the first half, as the defenses dominated.

Finally, with 10:15 left in the first quarter, Jacob Hawton hit Julian Harris on a 63-yard touchdown strike, and Cordova (12-1) took a 7-0 lead.

Straughn (9-4) fumbled on the next possession, setting up a short field for Cordova. Kentucky commitment Christopher Smith took the first play from scrimmage and ran 33 yards for a touchdown. The extra point failed, but Cordova had a 13-0 lead with 9:19 left in the quarter.

Straughn answered quickly, as Eric Samuel returned the ensuing kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown. Josh Dewrell’s extra point trimmed the lead to 13-7, but the Tigers could come no closer.

Dewrell led the way on the ground for Straughn, but he managed only 33 yards on 13 carries, as Cordova’s defense proved too strong.

Smith ran for 123 yards on 12 carries, to lead Cordova into the state semifinals.