Lubbock Cooper edges Tascosa in defensive battle after first-half fireworks

Friday night at First United Park at Pirate Stadium started with the promise of a high-scoring showdown, and for the first half, Tascosa and Lubbock-Cooper delivered just that. The teams traded blows like heavyweight fighters, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. By halftime, the score was knotted at 14-14, and it looked like a full-on shootout was brewing.

Then the second half hit—and the fireworks dimmed. The only score that mattered came early in the third quarter when Ryan Rodriguez found Wyatt Haire on a 23-yard touchdown pass. That was enough to give the Pirates a 20-14 lead, and Cooper’s defense held strong from there, shutting down Tascosa’s attempts to retake the lead.

Cooper set the tone early, with Jathan Caraway sprinting 23 yards for a first-quarter touchdown. Tascosa answered with a 14-yard touchdown run by Coltyn Fulton, keeping the game neck-and-neck. Rodriguez and Cade Gant connected on an 11-yard scoring pass before halftime to put Cooper up 14-7, but Tendrick Sargent’s 1-yard plunge tied it back at 14 just before the break.

The stats tell the story of two very different offensive styles. Cooper was balanced, racking up 352 yards with Caraway leading the ground game at 94 yards. Rodriguez completed 19 of 34 passes for 250 yards, while Gant hauled in 10 catches for 144 yards—showing the Pirates’ passing game was a real weapon. Tascosa leaned on the run, gaining 180 yards, with Reese Cabe chipping in 69 on just eight carries, but their passing game barely made a dent, with only one completion for 36 yards.

Discipline also hurt the Rebels. Eleven penalties for 108 yards stalled drives and made it tough to stay in rhythm against Cooper’s defense. Once the Pirates scored early in the third, Tascosa’s chances slipped away, and the Rebels couldn’t convert their opportunities down the stretch.

By the final whistle, Cooper walked away with a 20-14 victory, holding onto their 2-1 district record while handing Tascosa their first touchdown allowed of the season. The first half was everything fans hoped for—fast, competitive, and fun—but the second half reminded everyone how crucial a single big play and tight defense can be in deciding a game.

If Friday night proved anything, it’s that Lubbock-Cooper can strike fast through the air and then shut things down when it matters most. And for Tascosa? There’s plenty to build on, but also lessons in keeping composure and discipline when the game’s on the line.