In the first three games of 2014 the Crook County Cowboys (2-1) are #8 in the OSAA rankings and looking to move up when they face #1 Gladstone on Friday (Sep. 6) .
The Cowboys have defeated #16 Sweet Home (2-1) and #15 Sisters (1-2) but lost to #6 Henley (2-1) in an impressive showing against three top 16 ranked teams.
With Sr. OL Trevor Rasmussen, QB Blake Bartels and junior RB Cole Ovens leading the way, Crook County now shifts their attention to the #1 Gladstone Gladiators, who pay Prineville a visit Friday to begin 4A Tri-Valley League play.
Bartels takes over for Sophomore Mike Irwin who transferred to Mt. View.
“For us, it’s just, ‘execute’,” said Coach Cochran “I know these guys are gonna play with effort, I think if our execution is down and we play football like I know we can, we’re gonna’ have a heck of a game.”
Crook County comes off their most recent win against the 1-2 Sisters Outlaws, scoring three touchdowns in the first half to craft a 20-7 halftime lead, and then cruise to a 39-14 win.
“I think it’s gonna be a fight to the end, I believe that,” says Coach Cochran, who took over from the retiring Woody Bennett in 2010. “They’re a run dominant team and that fits us a little better, we like to defend the run pretty well. So I think it’s going to be a great game.”
Following the game against Gladstone, it won’t get any easier for Crook County as they will meet the Mollala Indians, ranked #4 in the state and currently boasting an undefeated record. Guard Trevor Rasmussen indicated that the Cowboys cannot wait to get on the field with either team.
“They’re really going to be stepping stones for the rest of our season,” said Rasmussen who plays tackle, guard and defensive lineman for Crook County. “We feel like if we can have a good game against these teams, we can play good against anybody.”
Cochran said the 4A conference that Crook County is now a part of, formerly being a part of the 5A-4A/1 Hybrid Conference in 2013 along with the eventual state champion Ridgeview Ravens, “For us, we’re just extremely excited to be in the 4A league, it does add a little travel to us,” said Cochran of the new classification. ”But for us, it’s exciting to be there, so we’re just hoping to get in there and represent well.”
After Crook County this Friday, Gladstone will host another 4A team as the 1-2 Madras Buffaloes come to town on Oct. 3.
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