Last Friday was not a good one for the Orangefield Bobcats. Their three-game undefeated streak was snapped, and starting quarterback Mason Gonzales suffered a serious knee injury.
Coach Josh Smalley reflected on the Bobcats’ performance in the loss and losing the services of Gonzales for the rest of the season. He blamed poor coaching and poor playing, but he gave a tip of the hat to the Buna Cougars for their effort.
Gonzales a senior tore his ACL and his MCL, so he will be lost for the remainder of the games. He will be missed for his ability on the gridiron as well as his great attitude and leadership on and off the field. Smalley admitted, “What that young man’s about to go through it really breaks my heart for him.”
This week Orangefield plays at home against Kirbyville. Smalley analyzed the Wildcats’ Spread Offense. They will run the ball on occasion, but the Wildcats like to toss it around to multiple receivers.
The Kirbyville offense revolves around the Wildcats’ quarterback Dilyn Bishop. He has thrown for close to 600 yards and four touchdowns in four games.
The number one target is Tylon Cooper who leads all receivers in District 12-3A, Division I with 15 catches and 317 yards averaging over 21 yards per reception. Hunter Wallace and James Burchett will have passes thrown in their direction as well. “They will run the football, but they like to air it out most of the time,” Smalley pointed out.
The Wildcats use an odd man front on defense which Coach Smalley examined. Kirbyville lines up in a 3-4 with five linemen with a look similar to West Orange-Stark, and the Wildcats play very aggressive. Instead of big defensive ends they will have outside linebackers pinching in to put pressure on the opponent’s backfield.
Their best linebacker is Dalton Moore a senior who plays very well. Wallace plays safety and although small in stature he will hunt out the guy with the ball and light him up according to Smalley. Cooper plays a cornerback and is a good cover man for Kirbyville. Smalley predicted, “We’re looking for their best effort Friday, defensively.”
A loss in the opening game of district will make it an uphill climb for the Bobcats to make the playoffs. Orangefield needs to correct mistakes from the Buna loss. Turnovers were costly, fiascos with special teams on punts, and poor tackling in the open field all need to be improved against Kirbyville.
Replacing their starting quarterback with a sophomore will be a task for Smalley as will getting Orangefield its first district win. Gunner Jones will get the start against Kirbyville. He played in both varsity scrimmages and has taken snaps each week with the varsity while starting every game for the junior varsity. “We’re going to look to Gunner to see what he can do, he’s going to have his opportunity to earn a spot,” Smalley stated. Waiting in the wings are Kaiden Dubose and Clayson Choate as backups to Jones at the quarterback position.
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