The No. 16 Sigourney-Keota Savage Cobra football team was riding the momentum of a four game winning streak into Wednesday’s first round playoff game against the Hudson Pirates.
However, it was the Pirates that left Sigourney High School with the win 28-26. SK entered the game with a 6-3 record for the year having clinched the two seed and home field advantage with a shut out win last week at West Marshall 26-0. Hudson started the game with a bang as Nick Engel went 65 yards on the first play from scrimmage to give the Pirates a 6-0 lead following a blocked extra point. After an SK three and out the Pirates added to their lead, it was Engel again, this time on a 15 yard scoring run the two point conversion made it 14-0 Hudson just four minutes into the game.
The Cobras found an answer on their next drive as Peyton Crawford got into the end zone on a one yard touchdown dive, the missed two point conversion left the score at 14-6. SK got within 14-12 on the final play of the first quarter when Crawford scored for the second time, his four yard touchdown run gave Sigourney-Keota momentum entering the second quarter. Both teams defenses settled in during the second quarter, the only points of the period came on it’s final play. Following some clock controversy, Hudson’s Blake Hottle took advantage, scoring on a one yard run with no time remaining in the half to put Hudson on top 22-12 going into the break.
Out of the half, Hudson extended their lead to 28-12 on a Cameron Fulcher three yard touchdown run at the 8:30 mark of the third quarter. With under four minutes left in the frame the Cobras mounted a drive that ended with Peyton Crawford finding the end zone for the third time in the game, on a two yard run, pulling SK within 28-20 going to the final quarter. The defenses took over early in the fourth, but the Cobras put together a drive in the final minutes with a chance to tie. Luke Greiner went to the air and hooked up with Avery Moore for a 20 yard TD pass to pull the Cobras within 28-26. SK was closed out of the end zone on their tying two point conversion attempt and the ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Pirates, ending the game.
On the night, Sigourney-Keota outgained Hudson 383-381, including 127-15 through the air. The Pirates had the advantage on the ground, outgaining the Cobras 366-256 in the run game. Individually for SK, Peyton Crawford had 188 yards on 27 carries and three touchdowns. Luke Greiner had 55 yards rushing on 16 carries while going six of 11 through the air for 109 yards and a score.