Cobras overpower Columbus Junction in Homecoming victory

A week full of anticipation and excitement in the Sigourney area culminated when the SK Cobras came out victorious against Columbus Junction 48-6, on September 29.

After a quiet start to the season, the Cobras have put up big numbers in the past few weeks, scoring at least 40 points in their last four games. The offense was a big spark in the first half, fueling the team as a whole. It wasn't until late in the first quarter that SK got on the board, with a 23-yard run by JD Stout. After that, the floodgates opened.

"Our goal coming into each week is to get a win. Each one is more important with hopes of making the playoffs," Cobras coach Jared Jensen said. "Offensively, we know we can run the ball. Defensively we were aiming for a shutout."

The second quarter was all about Luke Greiner and Carson Crawford. Greiner put up 21 points through rushing touchdowns, the longest a 33-yard run. The defense wasn't on the field long, keeping most of the Columbus drives short and not getting close to the end zone.

The third quarter was more of the same, with Greiner continuing to find the end zone on runs of 24 and 30 yards. At that point, the Cobras possessed a 41-0 lead. The backups got some time as well, putting up another score and allowing one late in the final quarter.

"This was our most mistake free game of the season," Jensen said. "We didn't put or have any false starts. It wasn't the hardest we've played, but it was the smartest."

Tristan Sypherd scampered in for an 18-yard score to complete the SK rout. With time winding down and on the brink of a shutout, Columbus put together one last gasp drive which ended in a score.

The Cobras piled up over 500 yards rushing throughout the night with Crawford, Greiner and Stout all finishing with over 100 yards. Crawford ran for 223 yards on 13 carries, Greiner 152 yards on 13 carries and Stout had 107 yards on 12 carries.

The Cobras defense limited Columbus to just over 100 yards total. Zech Boender was a leader on the defensive front, with 7.5 tackles, 13 assisted tackles and one solo. Crawford and Greiner also stood out on defense, totaling 14.5 tackles, 21 assisted tackles and four solo.

This was more than just another win on the season for Coach Jensen. Earlier in the week, Jensen's mother passed away, keeping him from practice and the team for most of the week. He was unable to make the Homecoming parade and festivities, but did return in time to gather his team before the game.

"With the death of Cale a few months ago, the death of Gene Brenneman last week and now my mother this week, I don't know, anytime we win it's huge for them," Jensen said. "It felt great for me, she hadn't been able to make it to a game this year due to her cancer and health. For her to finally get to see a game was huge."

The Cobras take to the road on October 6 to take on Louisa-Muscatine, and hopefully get a third straight win.

"We know the next three games are the most important of the season," Jensen said. "We've got to continue to stack up the wins to make our ultimate goal."