The losing streak was snapped, or maybe more precisely stated, smashed last week by the Orangefield Bobcats. Coach Josh Smalley is proud of the job done by back-up sophomore quarterback Mason Gonzales. The coaches did not put too much pressure on Gonazales who did not have to throw a pass and responded with two touchdown runs as well as no turnovers. Smalley concedes it’s always good to get a win especially after three losses; Gonzales did a good job so we could come out with a victory.
The Bobcats (2-3) this week play the Diboll Lumberjacks (1-4). Smalley says Diboll will have at least a couple of familiar faces coaching on the sidelines. Former Bridge City Head Coach Cris Stump is the offensive coordinator and has brought the Spread with him to Diboll. The Lumberjacks’ Head Coach Blake Morrison previously worked in Orangefield and more recently at Coldspring from where he brought their Double Wing Offense.
The Lumberjacks have some good skilled position players. Jemarcus White, Ty Hamilton, and Desmond Shelby at running backs are all dangerous with their speed and quickness. Smalley admits, “We’ve got a challenge waiting for us Friday.”
Basic defenses can usually be thrown out the window when Orangefield comes to town. Coach Smalley anticipates the same thing when the Bobcats go to Diboll. The Lumberjacks will probably stack eight or nine men in the box. The Orangefield coaching staff is looking at film to see what Coldspring did under Coach Morrison against Orangefield when they met in the playoffs a few seasons ago.
Diboll is led on defense by its linebacker Lucio Monroy. There are also some strong players in the defensive line with Noah Goins, Jose Petonia, and Stone Springs. The Lumberjacks are skilled in the defensive secondary. Smalley does not expect anything different this week, and the Bobcats are preparing to face a nine-man box.
The Bobcats should have the services of Caleb Kress who missed last week with a concussion. Smalley concludes Orangefield will need everyone against a tough opponent like Diboll. This will be a long road trip for the Bobcats with a 2½ hour bus ride. The Lumberjacks are athletic and are not to be taken lightly despite their current losing record. Smalley concludes, “We want to being doing right Friday and heading into district on the right note.”
Orangefield plays at Diboll Friday night. The Bobcats and Lumberjacks kick off at 7:30 PM.
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