The Orangefield Bobcats are coming off a big road win at Diboll last week. They did suffer a loss in that game according to Coach Josh Smalley. Defensive lineman Terry Statum suffered a knee injury. Statum will have a MRI later to determine the extent of the injury. Smalley indicates otherwise the Bobcats seem to be doing well.
This week is the start of district for Orangefield against the (6-0) Liberty Panthers. Smalley points out the Panthers boast the most yards per game of any district team as the district begins. Liberty is a power football team on offense much like Orangefield. The Panthers like to run the football.
Alex Brown is the bell cow for the Panthers and is the leading rusher entering district with over 900 yards in Liberty’s first six games. Tyris Williams has gained over 400 yards as well. They prefer to run the ball, but when they do pass Smalley says they’re pretty good at it. Sophomore quarterback J. J. Slack has thrown eight touchdowns and only suffered two interceptions.
Liberty is much improved on defense with a lot of returning starters back. Coach Smalley analyzes the Panthers on defense. Liberty shows multiple fronts. Linebacker Tyris Williams was a big player last year for the Panthers and is back blocking the middle for Liberty. Merel Bunfill lines up at noseguard and will be a load to block at 325 pounds. The Panthers get after it on defense, run to the football, and are second only to the West Orange-Stark Mustangs in yards allowed by teams in the district through six games.
Liberty was a playoff team last year and returns many of the players from that team. Smalley states, “It’s no surprise they’re playing well.”
It’s the opening game of the district and both teams want to start it with a win. Smalley pinpoints what the Bobcats need to do for a victory on Friday night. Tackling is the key for Orangefield. The Bobcats cannot afford to miss tackles on Liberty’s number 6 Alex Brown or he will go to the house. On offense Orangefield (3-3) must hang onto the football and keep the clock rolling with its offense. Coach Smalley reminds that the Bobcats beat the Panthers the last two years and are not intimidated going on the road, but must play their best to get a win at Liberty Friday night.
Orangefield tries for another big win on the road Friday night at Liberty in the district opener. The Bobcats and Panthers kick off at 7:30 PM.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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