Heading to the fourth quarter down 24-7, the Cooper football team rallied to score 20 unanswered points and take a lead on San Angelo Central in the final four minutes Friday at Shotwell Stadium.
But the 3:41 left on the clock after the Cougars’ go-ahead touchdown proved too much time in a gut-wrenching 31-27 loss to the Bobcats.
Taking possession at its own 25, Central drove 75 yards in 10 plays, converting three third downs — including a third-and-10 from its own 37-yard line, to regain the lead for good with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Christian English to Mason Van. That score, combined with an interception on the first play of the Cougars’ ensuing possession, allowed the Bobcats (1-2) to celebrate their first win under new coach Mark Smith, while dropping Cooper to 0-3.
Azle 41, Abilene Cooper 34 — Leading 20-19 at halftime, the Cougars couldn’t hold off the Hornets in the second half, being outscored 22-14 over the final two quarters to drop a thriller in the season opener for both teams.
Week 1 is often loaded with difficult picks and 2024 is no exception. 
While we normally try to share the love in our Big Country Preps Player of the Week column, five district titles in one week isn’t easy to sidestep. 
While no-hitters are fairly common in high school baseball and softball, they generally put you at the top of the list where our Big Country Preps Player of the Week is concerned. 
Sometimes the mercy rule and cheat a player a bit, limiting their number of plate appearances or the number of innings they can pitch. 
