For football fans, especially those fans of District 10-3A D1, September 29 has been circled on the calendar since the Dave Campbell Magazine came out. That’s the day last year’s district champ, the Orangefield Bobcats, hosts this year’s district favorite, the Anahuac Panthers.
The Bobcats beat Anahuac 25-15 last season as they went on to finish as the undefeated district champs. “I’m sure they’re just as fired up as we are,” said Bobcat boss Josh Smalley. “Coach Neece has done a great job since he took over after helping Newton win State a few years ago.”
The Bobcats (2-3, 1-0) put together their best performance of the season last week with a 49-22 district opening win over Buna. OF scored on their first play, a 73 yard touchdown by Kane Smith, and never looked back after jumping out to a 42-0 lead.
Smith, Mason Manning, and Fernando Sandoval-Rodriguez have become the three headed backfield monster that’s needed to run Smalley’s offense, lead by freshman QB Carson Gonzalez who is improving each week.
Defensively sophomore Kaleb Menard and junior Kaden Knott stayed in Buna’s backfield all night. That included a scoop and score from Menard. Smalley also added that seniors Kyle Michael and Lane Gipson played well and have been all season.
“Some of our seniors are stepping up into leadership roles which is so important for team success,” Smalley said. “And I’ve been pleased with our practices lately.”
The Panthers (5-0, 1-0) are lead offensively by junior RB Thomas Delao and QB Logan Trotter. Garrett Dye will also run the ball while the featured receivers are Quandre Coates and Talon Cunningham.
Defensively Smalley says their linebackers, Baylor Lanferman and Tyler Kelley are “all over the field.”
The game will be broadcast on KOGT.com
Social Media