The Orangefield Bobcats improved to 2-0 in District 10-3A while handing Anahuac their first loss of the season Friday 32-20.
The Panthers took an early 13-0 lead before the Bobcats battled back to cut the deficit to one at the half, 13-12.
As the Panthers did in the first quarter, they came out quick in the third with a score to take a 20-12 lead.
But after a 30 yd. penalty against the Panthers, the Bobcats were back in scoring position and Mason Manning scampered from 31 out to make it 20-18 after a missed 2-point conversion.
Then the Bobcat “D” would make the first of several big stops as they stopped Anahuac on a fourth and two at the 22.
After another defensive stop in the fourth, OF would get good field position at the Anahuac 49 and once again Manning would return to the endzone from 31 yds. A two point conversion gave the Bobcats their first lead of the game 26-20.
Another three and out by Anahuac would give OF great field position and a 30 yd. run by Kane Smith would set up a one yard TD by Fernando Sandoval-Rodriguez and a 32-20 lead with three minutes left.
Anahuac would get a first down on their next drive but Kaleb Menard would put an end to it with an interception to seal the victory.
The win not only evened OF’s record at 3-3 after an 0-2 start, but it also gave Coach Josh Smalley his 68th win, surpassing the great Ed Peveto for most wins as the Orangefield football coach.
Asked how he got to this point in his career, “longevity and support,” he said. Peveto reached the mark after his 11th season (1985) before leaving for Laredo Martin High School. Eight head coaches later, Smalley breaks the mark in his 11th season with four games still on the 2023 schedule.
“That’s the thing I think about,” he said. “The support of my wife Kim and the kids to be able to do what I do. You don’t do this without the support of your administration, the community, the coaches, and the kids. None of this would be possible without the players. We have been fortunate and blessed to have talented and hard-working players. Our kids give their all to the program.”
“And of course any success that we have achieved is a direct result of the Good Lord above and His Son, Jesus Christ. I thank Him daily for letting me do what I love for a living. I am nothing without Him and give Him all the honor and glory.”
The defending district champs will travel to Tarkington next week and then finish out the season against Hardin, Kirbyville, and East Chambers.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
Top photo: Superintendent Shaun McAlpin presents Smalley with a plaque following his 68th win.
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