Stingy defense and a big second half on offense led the Sigourney-Keota Cobra football team through their first round playoff test against Sumner-Fredericksburg at Snake Pit Friday 31-0. The Cobras found the end zone in the first quarter and Caden Clarahan knocked through a 25-yard field goal in the second to move the lead to 10-0 going to half. In the third quarter, the Snakes exploded for 21 and continued to hold the Cougars off the board, building their advantage to 31-0 and finishing the win down the stretch.

The Cobras outgained the Cougars 395 to 156 in total yards including 245 to 111 in the run game. Cole Clarahan led rushing attack with 27 rushes for 147 yards and a pair of scores. Isaac Bruns added a touchdown run. Sawyer Stout was six of nine in the aerial attack for 150 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Aidan Anderson pulled in a pair of passes for 111 yards. Cole Kindred had a touchdown catch. Reid Molyneux, Jack Clarahan and Jake Moore all had five tackles to lead the Cobra defense. SK forced four turnovers in the game with Cole Clarahan, Kindred, and Moore flagging down interceptions while Carter McCoid jumped on a Cougar fumble.

With the win, the top seeded Cobras advance to Friday’s second round to face No. 10 Mediapolis, who was a 52-7 winner over Central Decatur in the opening round. SK and MEPO is set for a 7p.m. kickoff Friday at the Snake Pit in Sigourney.