Heading into Friday night the Jackson Heights Cobras were looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season last week to Olpe, 20-18.

The Cobras did just that, scoring a touchdown with less than 50 seconds remaining to take down Valley Heights on the road in a thriller 22-14.

Both defenses came up big in the first half, as the two teams combined for just five total possessions in the half. Jackson Heights recorded the only score on one of their two first half possessions, as senior Conlan Bruggeman scored from a yard out with a little over two minutes remaining in the second quarter while senior Kolby Rethman ran in the 2-point conversion giving the Cobras an 8-0 lead at halftime.

Valley Heights had three first half possessions and got inside of the Jackson Heights 30 yard line all three drives, but turned the ball over on downs all three possessions.

The Cobras were able to extend their lead to 14-0 early in the second half on a 32-yard run from Bruggeman, which seemed to give Jackson Heights all of the momentum.

But the Mustangs were never fazed, and after a deflected pass was caught by Jackson O’Toole for a 56-yard gain, Valley Heights pulled within one score as Jeremy Reed scored on a 6-yard run while O’Toole ran in the 2-point conversion making it a 14-8 score.

After stopping the Cobras on down the Mustangs were abet to tie the game, as Cole Coggins was able to score from five yards out while the conversion failed making it a 14-14 ballgame with 7 minutes, 37 seconds remaining.

The Cobras then made sure they were either going to score, or leave no time on the clock for the Mustangs.

Jackson Heights went on a near six and a half minute drive to get inside the Mustangs 10 yard line, with the biggest play of the drive coming on a 16-yard run by quarterback Cable Wareham.

Then on a fourth-and-goal play from the two yard line with 47 second remaining, Kolby Rethman found pay dirt which proved to be the game-winning score. Jason Bosley picked off a pass on the Mustangs ensuing possession, which allowed the Cobras to run out the remaining clock.

Jackson Heights finished the game with 281 yards of offense, all of which came on the ground, as the Cobras were led by Cooper Williams who finished with 112 yards on 21 carries while Conlan Bruggeman added 102 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

Valley Heights had three guys rush for over 50 yards in the game, led by Cole Coggins who finished with 71 yards rushing and one touchdown.

Jackson Heights (4-1) will now open up district play next week on the road at Troy (3-2), while Valley Heights (3-2) will open up district play at Wabaunsee (0-5).