LUBBOCK - Randall battled favored Abilene Cooper on even terms for a quarter and a half.

Then a big pass play and an interception return gave the Cougars control. They didn't need much offense because they limited the Raiders to three first downs in a 35-0 Class 4A bidistrict football victory Saturday at Lowrey Field.

"We didn't move the ball very well," Randall coach Ken Plunk said. "Any time you can't move the ball well, you need to continue to play well defensively. We had a blown assignment and gave up a big play. That kind of changed the nature of the game."

Cooper's first score came on a screen pass that Reese Williams turned into a 59-yard touchdown.

"We just came out fired up," Randall linebacker Kyson Kohout said. "They got a quick score, trick play, that got us down. We just couldn't recover. We got behind and just couldn't recover."

Things just got worse for Randall. On the third play of Randall's next drive, Mark Glawe's pass was intercepted by Stefphun Hazlett, who returned it 39 yards for a 14-0 Cooper lead.

"I don't think the scoreboard is totally indicative of how the game went," Plunk said. "I just think we kind of let down. I'm a little disappointed at that. That's part of the game. They did a nice job of preparing for us."

Cooper's A'Mon Pimpton ran for 112 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. The Cougars rushed for 189 yards and finished with 357 yards total offense compared to 65 total yards for Randall.

"They were very talented in the running game," Kohout said. "Our defense, we tried our best. So I'll keep my head high."

Randall had chances on three long throws downfield in the first half, but the passes were either overthrown or mishandled by receivers. Glawe finished 4-of-17 for 15 yards.

"He missed some open receivers, and they had a little pressure on him," Plunk said. "He's done well, he's been a three-year starter and he's been in the playoffs all three years. We're pleased with what he did but wish he would've connected a few more times."

Cooper coach Mike Spradlin was happy with his team's defensive effort, which allowed one first down in the first half and forced eight punts.

"I can't say enough about how those guys are playing," Spradlin said. "It gives us great momentum now going into round two."