The Cass Colonels once again put themselves down big on Friday night and couldn’t overcome the deficit in a 33-21 loss to East Paulding.

East Paulding’s Tyrell Robinson scored three times in the first quarter on a 35-yard touchdown run, a 37-yard touchdown run, and on a kickoff return. Before Cass could blink, the Colonels found themselves down 20-0.

Cass kept fighting with Rett Moore capping a 12-play, 93-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Colonels entered the half down 20-7.

In the third quarter, Cass scored on its opening drive when Moore connected with Malik Grimes for a 27-yard touchdown toss to make it a one-possession game 20-14. East Paulding was able to answer with a Parker O’Neil touchdown run, but Javen Bridges caught a 70-yard touchdown pass to make it a five-point game 26-21.

Cass got the ball back with just under six minutes left in the contest at its own 12-yard line. The Colonels tried to sneak a pass past the East Paulding secondary, but it was picked off and sealed the game for the Raiders.

Cass will travel to Kell next week in search of its first region win of the season.