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Cooper, Leonard still set to kick off Saturday

The Cooper High football team's journey through the playoffs continues Saturday, with a matchup against area opponent Leonard still scheduled for Saturday despite the icy weather in store for North Texas.

Cooper claimed a new level of playoff success with a 56-18 victory over Scurry-Rosser in Royse City last week to add another shiny gold football to the trophy case. The Bulldogs will be playing the 10-3 Leonard Tigers on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Wylie Stadium in Wylie for the quarterfinal title.

Bulldog rushing leader Darmarcus Robinson with excellent blocking has achieved over 2,100 yards for the season. Perfecting the ground game, Cooper has had nine games this season with over 400 yards rushing. 

The recent history between Saturday’s two opponents has spurred on quite a rivalry. Cooper defeated Leonard last year at TAMU-Commerce’s Memorial Stadium 44-22 to take the Bi-District title. Leonard’s three losses this year were Nevada Community (season opener), Gunter and S&S Consolidated (both in district). Comparing the opponents, Leonard played Edgewood to an overtime game to win 43-36. Leonard advanced to this year’s quarterfinals after retaliating against S&S for a second time this season last Saturday, 55-44.

Starring for the Tigers is 150-pound senior running back Solomon “Ray Ray” Titus, a physical runner who averaged 14 yards per carry last year. Against Blooming Grove in the area round, Titus rushed for 255 yards on 22 carries. Tigers kicker Ty McKinney converted five of five extra-point attempts in the same game.

Last year the Tiger squad suffered its share of injuries causing Head Coach Shane Fletcher to rely on players to play multiple positions, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Another player to watch will be Justin Bennett, who has experience as quarterback, running back, wide receiver and safety.

Bulldog fans are encouraged to show their support with a Pep Rally on Friday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. There will be a send off on the Square in Cooper Saturday morning at 9:15 a.m. before the game in Wylie at 2 p.m. Cheerleaders would like fans to bring their noise makers and shakers.