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By Ron Marvel

Star Correspondent

Cloudland kept punching all night Friday but came up just short when the final bell rang, as the Highlanders lost a tight 27-26 contest. In a back-and-forth affair that featured several lead changes and key defensive stops, Cosby broke a 20-20 tie in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter with a 51-yard touchdown pass from Matthew McMahan to Devante Wigfall, making the score 27-20.

Cloudland responded in a big way when Grayson Cole ran one in from 47 yards, bringing the Highlanders within one point at 27-26. However, their attempt to take the lead with a two-point conversion was stopped, allowing the Eagles to maintain their slim lead.

The Highlanders attempted an onside kick, but after failing to recover, they still managed to force Cosby to punt the ball away with under a minute left. Despite their best efforts, Cloudland couldn’t muster one final offensive push, ending their remarkable 35-game winning streak against Region 1-A teams.

Cole finished the night with 217 yards on the ground, while Landon Barnette added 106 yards on 20 carries. Both Cole and Camden Peppers contributed strong defensive performances in the tough loss for the Highlanders.