Prineville, Ore. – The Crook County Cowboys opened their football season Friday night with a gritty showing, but came up short in a 14–7 loss to the Estacada Rangers in a game that was anything but ordinary.
Crook County’s defense proved to be a bright spot, coming up with key stops and turnovers that kept the contest close. On offense, the Cowboys moved the ball and connected on several passes, but turnovers—including multiple interceptions—shifted momentum back to Estacada. Crook County’s lone score came in the first half, sparking the home crowd before mistakes and unusual delays changed the night’s rhythm.
The game was interrupted twice, first by a 30-minute lightning delay that extended halftime as players, coaches, and fans sought shelter. Just as the contest moved into the fourth quarter, the stadium was hit with a power outage, plunging the field into darkness. With no quick fix available, officials made the call to end the matchup early.
Even with the disruptions, the energy in the stands remained high. Students and families packed the bleachers for the season debut, many sticking through the stoppages to back the Cowboys. The sideline energy and defensive toughness on display offered reasons for optimism about the year ahead.
Crook County now turns its attention to a nonleague trip south, where they’ll face Ashland High School next week. The Cowboys hope to cut down on turnovers and build on Friday’s positives as they continue their early-season schedule.
