Cooper Rushing Attack Overpowers Orioles

Robbinsdale Cooper has a powerful rushing attack, and it was on full display Friday night against visiting St. Louis Park.

The Hawks (5-2 overall, 5-2 in North Suburban Conference) rushed for 338 yards and rolled to a 36-6 win over the Orioles (1-6 overall, 0-5 NSC). Cooper carried the ball a whopping 48 times and only attempted 10 passes.

The home team jumped out to a 20-0 lead by the third quarter, but Park responded with a Parker Stennes touchdown pass to D.J. Pollard to cut the lead to 20-6. But mistakes ended any chance of a comeback.

"The boys played a hard fought three quarters but we gave it away in the fourth quater," coach Vince Varpness said.

Cooper running back Ashanti Payne answered Park's touchdown with a 50-yard touchdown scamper in the final frame. Later in the quarter, a Park bubble screen that went uncaught was ruled a lateral, and Cooper scooped up the ball and turned it into a 69-yard touchdown, icing the game.

It was that kind of night for the Orioles, who had opportunities to score throughout the game but couldn't capitalize. Two series that started in Cooper territory didn't result in any points, and a fumble led to Cooper's first score.

"We were able to move the ball from the 30 to 30 but the red zone and short yardage situations are areas we need to continue to improve," Varpness said.

Stennes finished 9 for 25 for 103 yards and the touchdown. Pollard caught four passes for 96 yards. Kashif Hayes had a nice game rushing, netting 117 yards on 26 carries.

Park finishes the regular season on Wednesday at Fridley.