Purcell Senior Cash Cook played like a football machine on both sides of the ball last Friday night at Plainview.

He was responsible for four touchdowns and had a two-point conversion run.

Cook opened the Purcell scoring, hauling in a 75-yard pass from quarterback JJ Hitchcock. Shorty after that he promptly stepped in front of a Plainview pass on a non-stop 85-yard return to the crib.

He also found the end zone on the end of a three-yard plunge. Hitchcock threw a 31-yard touchdown pass hauled in by Cru Venegas before Cook closed out the Dragons scoring in the fourth period on a 60-yard run. Hitchcock ran in the two-point conversion.

Purcell Head Coach Aaron Dillard said, “Cash had one of the best high school football games you could have. He was phenomenal.”

Dillard also praised the play of Hitchcock, center Cannan Haynes, Brian Cazares and two freshmen who have been forced into starting roles due to injuries in Jesus Cruz and Jackson Hines.

“JJ played really well making his second career quarterback start in a tough environment,” Dillard said. “He was under duress and was extremely tough and competitive.”

Hitchcock completed six of his nine passes for 154 yards and the two touchdowns and had 20 yards rushing.

Despite Cook’s outstanding game, Plainview pinned a 53-35 loss on the Dragons.

“I was proud of him,” the coach said. “Their front made it real tough on us. Our two young guys Jackson Hines and Jesus Cruz gave valiant efforts. Cannan Haynes played well at center. He’s consistently good week in and week out. Brian Cazares gives up some size but he battles.

“Plainview just wore us down in the line. In the first half we had more positives than negatives. After the half they just ran right at us and in the third and fourth quarters we didn’t have enough depth.”

Dillard had high praise for his defensive backfield.

“Cook was great in his coverages,” Dillard said. “And he got the pick six. Cooper Selman, Layton Percey and Hitchcock took away the pass game. So they just leaned on the run and came right at us.”

Dillard said some players like Ethan Colburn that had to play a different position did a good job.

“He had six tackles going against the H back and big tight ends,” the coach said. “Cannan is a bit undersized but he uses his speed, quickness and intelligence to get the job done.”

Purcell will play host to powerful Marlow Friday night at Conger Field with kick off set for 7 p.m.

The Outlaws rely heavily on their rushing attack.

“They just try to see how many H backs and tight ends they can get on the field,” Dillard said. “They are big and athletic.”

Marlow sports one of the best defensive lines in the state.

“Their D-line is impressive,” Dillard reports. “They have four guys that are as good as we will see this year. They are long and athletic and just plain good. They are physical and rush the passer. It’ll be another good test for us.”

Kick off for the game, which is also Little League Night, is set for 7 p.m.

Dragon Notes:

Purcell Head Coach Aaron Dillard nominated Cash Cook as the Offensive Player of the Week. He rushed six times for 60 yards and two touchdowns, caught a 75-yard touchdown pass and ran in a two point conversion.

Dillard nominated Cannan Haynes as the Offensive Lineman of the Week. He graded out at 70 percent.

Dillard nominated Cook as the Defensive Player of the Week. He made four tackles and had an 85-yard pick six.