It was a good performance, not a great one, according to Orangefield Head Coach Josh Smalley concerning the Bobcats’ opening game win over Buna last week. No turnovers, a low number of penalties, and a good job by a young offensive line were all positives, but playing on every play and lining up correctly are areas the Bobcats need to work on to get ready this week for the Kirbyville Wildcats.
Coach Smalley advises the Wildcats are led on offense by their experienced quarterback. Smalley says Jackson Gore has started at Kirbyville for three seasons and has a good throwing arm while directing the explosive Wildcat attack. Star running back Ty Dennis was injured in the Bridge City game last week, so he could be questionable this week, but Pat Beatty and Dwayne Diggles are solid backups Smalley informs. Kirbyville Coach Greg Neece likes to use multiple formations and unbalanced lines; Smalley emphasizes that means the Bobcats need to make sure they’re lined up right on defense.
Smalley and the Orangefield coaches are preparing the Bobcats for a very aggressive Kirbyville defense. Smalley will rate personnel from the first week, but does not see a lot of changes for this week’s game. Kirbyville gives opponents problems with its blitzing of linebackers that will get them through gaps in the offensive line untouched. Coach Smalley states the Bobcats want to avoid those situations and are working on that mostly this week in practices.
Coach Smalley gives the keys for his Bobcats to remain undefeated on the season after Friday night. Smalley thinks the key for Orangefield is to limit the big plays by Kirbyville because of their speed, and offensively not turning the ball over while milking the clock to keep the Wildcats’ offense off the field. Coach Smalley summarizes don’t let the Wildcat backs get behind them, don’t get negative yardage on offense, limit penalties, and obviously no turnovers will help the Bobcats win.
The Orangefield Bobcats play the Kirbyville Wildcats in Orangefield at F. L. McClain Stadium on Friday night.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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