The Magazine Rattlers captured the 8-Man West Conference football title Friday night, defeating the Izard County Cougars 26-8 at Cougar Stadium.
Despite early turnovers and the tough loss, Izard County will move on to the playoffs.
The game opened with the Cougars unable to capitalize on their first possession after Magazine intercepted a pass. Although the Rattlers were forced to punt on their ensuing drive, Izard County again faltered as Magazine recorded a second interception.
A fumble on the Cougars' next possession gave Magazine favorable field position, allowing the Rattlers to take an early 6-0 lead on a four-yard touchdown run.
Izard County found some momentum in the second quarter. On fourth-and-11, quarterback Landon Gross completed a 28-yard pass to Brogan Pospisil, pushing deep into Magazine’s territory. However, a fumble two plays later ended the drive. Gross quickly regrouped, leading another offensive effort from Magazine's 29-yard line. The possession culminated in a three-yard touchdown run by Payton Thompson. Thompson followed with a successful two-point conversion, giving Izard County an 8-6 lead.
Magazine responded before halftime with a six-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead at 12-8. A two-point conversion extended their advantage to 14-8 heading into the break.
Pospisil provided a spark for the Cougars early in the third quarter, intercepting a Magazine pass and returning it 20 yards. However, the Cougars' offensive struggles continued, as a third interception stalled potential progress.
The Rattlers extended their lead late in the third quarter with a one-yard touchdown run, making it 20-8. As the final period began, Magazine delivered the decisive blow—a 47-yard touchdown run that sealed the 26-8 win.
Izard County will look to regroup as they advance to postseason play. Magazine, now conference champions, moves forward with a strong performance under their belt.