The CAM Cougars lost Thursday night to Bishop Garrigan 26-16 in Algona. In the first quarter the Golden Bears were first to strike with a 61 bomb from Tate Foertsch to Justin Bauer. The extra point would go low and right, but Bishop Garrigan had the lead. CAM’s response was a drive down to the 14 where Spieker connected with Jack Follman for a touchdown in the corner of the end zone. A two point conversion later and the Cougars had their first lead 8-6.

Going into the second both teams exchanged one more score. Foertsch would lead his team down the field again and pitched a shovel pass to Ethan Marsh inside the 10 yard line for another touchdown. The game was now 14-8. CAM would answer with a 36 yard spiral to Colin Bower as he walked into the endzone to give the lead back to CAM 16-14.

In the second half the script seemed to be flipped for CAM as their offense was shutdown by Bishop Garrigan. Both teams were held scoreless in the third, but the Golden Bears took advantage of the Cougar’s penalty troubles and turnovers in the 4th quarter to turn the tide. Tate Foertsch scrambled for two touchdowns in the 4th quarter and the Cougars could not find any traction.

The contest ended with Bishop Garrigan in the victory formation and CAM stunned from the outcome. It was a game that saw CAM quarterback Chase Spieker go 14-33, with 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Throughout the night Spieker looked to Collin Bower who had 5 grabs, with 1 score, and 74 yards.  However the 3 interceptions combined with the 50 penalty yards in the second half were too much for CAM to overcome.

Cougars Head Coach Barry Bower spoke plainly about the loss and the mistakes his team made.

Even with the mistakes and heartbreaking loss, Coach Bower was proud of this year’s Cougar squad.

Most Coaches would look for fault at coming so close to the UNI-Dome and falling short. But Coach Bower wanted to reiterate the pride he had in how his team continued to fight and the great season they achieved.

The 8-player playoff season continues for Winfield-Mt. Union, Bedford, and Gladbrook-Reinbeck as they all advance to the semifinals next week.