Bears outlast Cowboys to earn 21-14 overtime win

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | August 30, 2023

COTULLA COWBOYS FOOTBALL

COTULLA MISSES PAT FOR WIN; FUMBLES ON FIRST PLAY IN OVERTIME TO FALL TO WEST OSO

Opening day miscues and penalties proved costly for Cotulla as the Cowboys dropped a 21-14 overtime decision to Corpus Christi West Oso in new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Esteban Rodriguez’ debut last Friday.
Despite trailing 14-0 at halftime, the Cowboys rallied to tie things up late and had an opportunity to take the lead with seconds remaining but a missed point after touchdown attempt and a fumble in overtime sealed the win for West Oso.
“Unfortunately, Friday night’s game at West Oso did not bold well for us,” Coach Rodriguez said. “Numerous costly errors, and penalties led to us coming up on the short end. We had a touchdown and multiple big plays called back throughout the course of the game. Not to mention, the scoreboard, nor the play clocks were working, making it difficult to manage the game in crunch time.
“However, our boys never hung their heads or made excuses.”
Cotulla’s rally began in the third quarter behind its defense.
“After being down 14-0 at halftime, our defense made a big play, forcing a safety that led to our first two points of the game,” the coach said. “We then drove the ball down the field midway through the third quarter, scoring on a tough run by quarterback Alex Medina.”
That’s where the miscues continued for the Cowboys. The team fumbled the extra point attempt and never had a chance to attempt the kick and trailed 14-8.
“Our defense then made a few key stops that gave us another opportunity at the end of the game,” the coach said. “With three minutes left in the game, we drove the ball down the field, scoring on a run by Dadrian DeLeon with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth.”
Cotulla would miss the extra point attempt, however, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra fram, West Oso won the coin flip and elected to take the ball first. The Bears scored on a pass play on third and long to take a 21-14 lead. Although Cotulla now had a possession from the 25, the contest would quickly come to an end as the Cowboys fumbled on their first play of overtime.
“It was a tough loss, but one that we can use as a learning experience and improve from,” Rodriguez said.
Medina led the offense as he had 76 yards rushing on 13 carries and a touchdown and completed four passes for 21 yards.
DeLeon rushed for 102 yards on 13 carries as had a touchdown. He also hauled in two receptions for 31 yards.
Cotulla will be on the road once again this week as they travel to Bandera to take on the Bulldogs. Bandera, 1-0, opened their season with a 27-9 win over Poteet last week. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.