By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

ROSEBURG, Ore.—What the Cascade Football Team has done these first two weeks has anything short of spectacular.

Two long road trips, two big wins as they march their way to the 4A OSAA State Semi-Final Game versus Cottage Grove on November 18.

“I don’t know, our coach said it best, we play our best on the road,” said Justin Marcott on the feat.

With this being the second-year on the road for the entirety of the playoffs with the exception of a play-in game in 2015, it came down to one last drive to guarantee another week to the Cougars season with their opponent breathing down their necks late.

Entering the second half, Cascade led South Umpqua at Roseburg High School 26-7 and held them in check for the third with a strong defensive presence.

But, next thing they knew, the Lancers scored twice to make it a 26-21 deficit and looking to end the Cinderella-run for the Cougars as the offense took the field with 6:51 remaining in the game.

Behind an dominate offensive line, something that was strong in scoring four first half of the game and the few drives they’ve had in the second half, Cascade was on the move.

”I think it was more than the offensive line” said Peyton Hunt. “Right before the drive, we all got together and our quarterback came up to us and told us all about family.  It’s all about being together and just finishing it and the difference between what’s good and what’s great and what good football is.”

Upfront, Hunt was one of the key pieces from his center position that helped get running back Marcott rolling in the running game.

Marcott had an 11-yard gain that put them in the Red Zone with 2:15 left in the game, and 50 seconds later, the senior pounded it in from four-yards out to ice the 34-21 win.

“I was confident in the team all night,” said Hunt.  “I was, but seeing him, it really gave us..it really made us happy.  We can count on our backs, Justin and Shane (Schnepp) the whole night, just pounding it through the hole.”

As they get ready for another road test next Friday at Cottage Grove High School, it’ll be the closest thing to a home game they’ve had the past few games distance wise; but the Cougars know they’ll be able to carry this momentum over to that game as they did for Mazama and South Umpqua.

The excitement is there, but it’s all about preparing for the next game ahead.

“Just all the momentum we get on the road, it’ll carry over in practice and the practices will be great, intense and that’ll carry over into the game,” said Marcott.

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Photos By Jeremy McDonald