Cougars D comes up big

The Cardinal Mooney High defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions, to propel the Cougars to a 44-7 victory over Lake Placid Sept. 13.

Cardinal Mooney took a 9-0 lead in the first quarter on a field goal by Robby Howard and Clarke Horne’s fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Lake Placid responded with a 23-yard touchdown to cut the Cougars lead to 9-7 in the second quarter.

Cardinal Mooney answered with a pair of second-quarter touchdowns of its own. Demardre Patterson scored on a 63-yard run; and quarterback Reese Vita connected with Austin Leach for a 45-yard touchdown to give the Cougars a 23-7 lead at halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, Cardinal Mooney scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a pair of 5-yard touchdown runs by Patterson.

Vita completed 9-of-18 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. He also threw one interception. Patterson led the way for Cardinal Mooney on the ground, carrying the ball 21 times for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Leach caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Cardinal Mooney returns to non-district action Sept. 20 vs. Avon Park.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].