The Orangefield Bobcats pummeled the St. Louis Saints with big plays on offense and a smothering defense to secure a 28-7 non-district win over the Lake Charles, La. school on Friday night.
The Bobcats defense took control of the game from the opening possession forcing a punt on five of the Saints six drives in the first half, including three three-and-outs.
Meanwhile, the Orangefield offense displayed some fireworks and a glimpse of what can happen when the team’s new spread offense is firing on all cylinders.
Quarterback Carson Gonzalez guided the team 80-yards in five plays on its first possession and a 7-0 lead courtesy of a 1-yard touchdown run by Mason Manning.
The Bobcats added another touchdown late in the first quarter as Gonzalez found receiver Zach Morrow open for a 26-yard touchdown strike. Kicker Ty Butler added the extra point to put Orangefield ahead 14-0.
Manning added an 8-yard scoring run around the right end just before halftime to give the Bobcats a 21-0 lead at the break.
The St. Louis offense finally managed to sustain a drive early in the fourth quarter as quarterback Konner Boudreaux threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Trappey to cut the Bobcats lead, 21-7.
Gonzalez and the Bobcats offense responded on the next drive and essentially put the game away as the Orangefield offense needed just two plays to cover 75 yards. Gonzalez connected with Manning on a 12-yard catch and run to the 37-yard line. On the next play, Morrow was running open behind the St. Louis secondary and Gonzalez heaved the ball deep downfield for a 63-yard touchdown to close out the scoring, 28-7.
Orangefield had 437 yards of total offense on the night. Gonzalez completed 11 passes in 20 attempts for 211 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 73 yards rushing for the game. Morrow had 126 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
Manning added 104 yards on the ground on 18 carries and two touchdowns, while Jose Lecea added 49 yards rushing.
The Orangefield defense limited the Saints offense to 140 yards for the game.
The Bobcats (2-2) host the Hardin Hornets next Friday in the first district game for both teams. Hardin (4-0) beat Tarkington 27-14 on Friday night to remain perfect on the season.
-Tommy Mann, KOGT-
Social Media