#7 Red Ravens Fall in Season Opener to Highland 20-14

Highland, Kan. - Coming into the 2023 opener, Coffeyville had played Highland Community College a total of 42 times over the years and in that span, Coffeyville holds a 34-8 sizeable advantage in the series.  However, looking more recently and dating back to 2013 or the last 9 games, Highland has won 5 out of the last 9.  Make it 6 out of the last 10, the #7 NJCAA-ranked Coffeyville Community College Red Raven Football team opened their 2023 season with a 20-14 loss at Highland Community College. 

Coffeyville just could not get out of its own way against the Scotties of Highland.  Whether it was penalties (11 for 97 yards), a lost fumble, or an ill-advised interception, the Red Ravens seemed to self-destruct at critical moments in the game. 

Even after saying all of that, Coffeyville still had a chance late in the game to steal a victory.   After a Highland punt with 5:26 remaining in the fourth quarter, Coffeyville took over on the Highland 41-yard line.  After a couple of rushes by Red Raven freshman running back Omiri Wiggins and a 26-yard pass from Raven freshman quarterback Conor Apo to sophomore tight end Jaiden Dozier, Coffeyville was set up pretty well with a first and goal at Highland's 8-yard line with 2:45 left in the game.  On first down, Red Raven sophomore running back Ozarrio Smith rushed for no gain.  On second down, Coffeyville quarterback Apo again tried to hook up with his tight end Dozier, but the pass fell incomplete in the endzone.  On third down, Apo attempted a pass to sophomore wide receiver Chrishon Creshaw but the puss was broken up by the Highland defender in the end zone.  For Coffeyville, the game came down to fourth and goal at the 8-yard line with 2:09 remaining in the game.  On fourth down, Apo faked a handoff to the running back and then tried zipping a pass over the middle to 6'5" wide receiver Richard Ransom that fell incomplete. 

At that point, Highland took over on downs and was able to run out the clock to secure their victory.

Team comparisons in the game had Coffeyville with just a slight nod in total offense with 277 yards to Highland's 252.  Highland had more pass yards with 197 to Coffeyville's 150, however, Coffeyville had more rush yards with 127 to Highlands' 55.

Leaders for Coffeyville included quarterback Apo who went 13-31 for 150 yards and one interception and running back Wiggins who had 69 yards on 10 rushes including a dazzling 57-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to pull Coffeyville within six points at 14-20.  Red Raven Receiver Richard Ransom led Coffeyville in receptions hauling in three passes for 48 yards.

Coffeyville will return to action this Saturday, September 2nd as they open at home against the Conquistadors of Dodge City Community College.  Kick-off in Veterans Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m.