The Orangefield Bobcats lost their first game of the season at Newton 36-0. The loss does not affect the Bobcats’ goal of making the playoffs according to Coach Josh Smalley. “The good news is it’s not a district ball game, it’s over, has no effect on us as far as the playoff hunt, our young guys have had good attitudes this week, and they want to get back on the field and show people we are a good team,” Smalley explained. Leading by example for Orangefield was running back and linebacker Carl Wiley who carried the ball over 30 times without fumbling against a tenacious Newton defense for 128 yards. Smalley points out that Wiley played hurt while playing also on specialty teams and contributing strongly on defense. In fact Wiley tackled Newton’s star back Kevin Shorter for a loss on a fourth down to stop an Eagles’ drive in Bobcat territory. Wiley is one of the toughest kids Smalley says he has ever coached. That brings up the injuries that have put several Bobcats on the sidelines. Smalley believes they will get back the services this week of quarterback and safety Matthew Kress who injured his shoulder in the Jasper game. Also injured in the Jasper game was Dustin Verrett. Smalley says Dustin is running, but does not have a full range of motion in his injured shoulder and will sit out again this week. Landon Sparks broke his hand against Jasper and will be out for a while. Orangefield does get the services of Dylan Gray who is a transfer student. Dylan is expected to get some playing time at fullback and defensive end. This week’s opponent is the Beaumont Kelly Bulldogs. Smalley reports that Kelly has made a change at quarterback that seems to have improved their offense since the first game of the season. Coach Smalley also believes the Bulldogs are hungry having lost 13 straight games going back to the state championship two seasons ago. The kickoff is at 7 on Friday night in Beaumont between the Orangefield Bobcats and Kelly.
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