The Harrisburg Cougars defeated the Lower Dauphin Falcons 26-0 today at Severance Field in the first round of the District 3-AAAA Playoffs. The final score may not indicate it, but the Falcons surely came to play today and did not lay down for the Cougars.

The Cougars scored first on a 13-yard touchdown run by Cameron Artis-Payne with 6:02 in the 1st quarter. Later, linebacker Adrian Robinson for the Cougars on a 35 yard fumble return to make the score 14-0. Artis-Payne finished up the first quarter scoring with a 6-yard touchdown run to make the score 20-0 (the extra point was no good). The Falcons tightened up on defense and did not allow a score for the rest of the half. The only problem? The Cougars defense was just as tough and kept the Falcons scoreless.

The Cougars would add one more score in the 4th quarter on a 20-yard run by T.J. Armstead to make the final score 26-0.

The game was filled with turnovers. The Cougars will look to decrease the amount of turnovers as they move onto the next round of the playoffs. The defense continues to dominate. Safety Anthony Holmes, of the Cougars, had one forced fumble and two interceptions today. "It was important for us to come out strong because I really think we jumpstart the team. We think we're the best defense in the state and we make big plays. Ivan Holloway with his interception, A.D. (Adrian Robinson) with his fumble recover, Dominic Payne with his INT, Shane (Ross) with his fumble recover, and Joshua Potts with his INT.".

Incidentally, the Mid-Penn All-Star teams have been announced and the Junior Safety was not one of the selections. He used that disappointment to fuel his performance today. "That motivated me to step it up today", said Holmes.

The Cougars will take on Muhlenberg (TBD), winners over Cumberland Valley H.S. Friday night.