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Cathedral lost its season opener to Columbia Academy Friday night. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

COLUMBIA — The Columbia Academy Cougars scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to rally for a 25-21 win over the Cathedral High School Green Wave last Friday night.

A comeback didn’t appear in the offering for Columbia Academy after Tristan Fondren picked off the pass at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown at the end of the first half.

That pick-six not only thwarted the Cougars’ attempt to go into halftime with the lead, but it also gave the Green Wave a 21-12 halftime lead. But in the third quarter, both teams’ defenses stepped up and shut down the opposing team’s offense.

Cathedral was also a victim of cramps starting about midway through the third quarter. It took a while, but Columbia Academy took advantage of the situation.

Noah Fortenberry connected with Bentley Myers on a 76-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. However, the Cougars’ third attempt at a two-point conversion was no good and the Green Wave was clinging to a 21-18 lead.

Cathedral’s running game that was so effective in the first half was shut down by the Cougars’ defense and at times dared Tristan Fondren to throw any slant passes. And Columbia Academy had its opportunities to pick off some of his passes, especially in the fourth quarter.

Then with 4:20 remaining in the game and the Green Wave’s defense itself worn down and still dealing with cramps, Carson Stuart scored on an 8-yard run. Tate English made the extra point to give the Cougars a 25-21 lead and their defense would preserve the win.

Cathedral (0-1) will look for its first win of the season when it plays host to Central Hinds Academy next Friday with kickoff at 7 p.m.

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