The Connally Cougars played a complete game in the last of the season, beating their crosstown rival Pflugerville Panthers 2-1 on Friday.

“This was the best team effort of the season and our most complete game,” Connally coach John Mark Edwards said. “We really came together as a team in the end and finished on a good note.”

The seniors playing in their final game were recognized before the game and really stepped up by playing as a unit. From the opening whistle the Cougars took control and brought pressure on the visiting Panthers.

The Panthers had the first chance to make something happen off an intercepted pass that saw Ruben Lopez break in on goal as he fired a shot that Cougar goalie Brooks Grubb gobbled up.

The Cougars brought the ball up the field and won a free kick from about the 30-yard line which Bryan Gavarrete struck well, barely missing the mark.

The Panthers got on the scoreboard first with Lopez ripping a shot following a run through the defense with 29 minutes left in the first, putting Pflugerville up 1-0.

The Cougars turned up the heat as Jonathan Campuzano let loose a ringing shot that Panther Andy Martinec had to dive and save. The Cougars were relentless with their attack as they kept the pressure on, winning back-to-back corner kicks.

The second one was taken by Gavarrete who placed a nice pass to Jeff Anumu who headed it into the upper corner of the net to tie the game up with 24 minutes left on the clock.

The Panthers won a corner of their own and brought pressure afterwards. The Cougars grabbed the advantage by bringing the ball up the field and peppered the goal with shots. With 13 minutes remaining Campuzano cracked a shot that Martinec saved at close range.

The Cougars kept at it with tenacious play and were rewarded for their efforts. Gavarrete fed a timely pass to Anumu who blasted a shot that hit the post and came out to Campuzano who buried it in the back of the net making it 2-1 for the Cougars.

After halftime the Panthers brought in good ball movement and had several chances. Lopez let loose a laser of a shot that Grubb had to glove out for a corner kick.

The Cougars brought the ball up field and Kevin Del Aguila fired a shot from the 20-yard line.

The play got heated as several yellow cards were issued and penalty kicks were awarded to both sides. The last few minutes of the game brought a mad dash by both teams as chances appeared for both, however the score held.