In the final game of the regular season, the electricity on the sidelines of the second- and third-grade Cougars and Twisters match-up was evident. Both teams looked to grab early momentum and finish the regular season on a high note before heading into the Toy Bowl.

Fortunately for the Cougars, running back/middle linebacker Austin Downing was able to capture the early energy and carry his team to a 25-0 victory Sunday at Youth Sports Inc.

Downing made his presence known early, dashing 60 yards for a touchdown on the opening play to give the Cougars a 7-0 lead.

Downing’s speed and agility created problems for the Twister defense all day. Unable to bring Downing down with a single tackler, the Twisters were forced to swarm the Cougar rusher in order to slow the run.

Looking to get a grasp on the game, the Twisters came out on the next possession but found little success. Cougar defensive run stuffer Jacob Brown came up with a big stop when he busted through the line and recovered a fumble.

The Twisters offense again looked poised to make another statement, but penalties stalled their drive when running back Alan Clothier busted loose for a 20-yard run – but a holding call negated the gain and gave the ball back to the Cougars.

Along with Clothier, the Twisters used their big fullback, Monte Stevens, to create mismatch problems for the Cougars. Stevens broke loose for several big runs, bulling his way down field, leaving several Cougar tacklers behind.

Defensively, Caston Coleman led the Twisters, using his size and positioning to unleash a handful of bone-jarring hits. Coleman displayed impressive closing speed and determination, by even chasing down ball carriers running to the opposite side of his line.

However, the Twisters were unable to find an answer to stopping Downing. Similar to the opening play of the game, Downing ran 25 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.

Cougar running back Austin Downing, 18, scans the Twister defense before the snap Sunday at Youth Sports Inc.

Part of Downing’s success came from the lanes the Cougar offensive line created for him. The line was able to wear down the Twisters front four with their size and ball control.

Looking to put the icing on the cake, Downing got loose for another long touchdown run – this one a 55-yard scamper when he found a hole on the right side of the line and turned on the burners, just getting past the outstretched arms of the Twister secondary.