Nearly all the bleacher seats were filled last Thursday night at Bearcats field. The Bearcats bared their fangs and increased their record to four wins and two losses by overcoming Leake Central, 16-8.
The majority of the first quarter was controlled by the Bearcats. Their first drive lasted four minutes, 17 seconds, and resulted in a successfully kicked field goal attempt by #4 Presley Wade. The Bearcats kicked off and, on the return, caused a fumble that was recovered by the Bearcats. Their second extensive drive culminated in a rushing touchdown carried by #3 Ranauldrick Murrell (Sr.), followed by a missed extra two-point conversion. The score at the end of the first was Bearcats 9, Gators 0.
In the second quarter, the ‘Cat’s defense corralled the Gators, leaving Leake Central scoreless through to the end of the half. With the lead firmly in place as the end of the half ticked to a close, the Bearcats held the Gators on the Bearcat 20 yard line after the Gators turned the ball over on downs. The ‘Cats secured their lead of 9-0 as the game went into halftime.
Midway through the third quarter, the Bearcat defense intercepted a pass attempt by the Gators. Two minutes later, Murrell carried the ball in for a rushing touchdown; Wade secured the extra point, bringing the score to 17-0, Bearcats. The third quarter closed with # 8 Nixon recovering a fumble.
The intensity revved up in the fourth as the Bearcats achieved three big first downs that brought them within field goal range. The offense brought some razzle-dazzle with a field goal fake, attempting a touchdown pass that was caught out of bounds. Another field goal fake was attempted, but this time the Gators intercepted the pass and ran the ball to the end zone for a defensive touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion. The excitement continued to the end of the game, with a score of 16-8. The Bearcats put another “W” on their record.
The ‘Cats passed for 14 yards on two out of 10 completed passes. With 43 total team carries, the Bearcats rushed for 258 yards, and two touchdown runs. #43 Presley Wade (Sr.) scored four kicking points and Murrell scored 12. Quarterback #14 Jacob Brooks (Jr.) made more plays with his legs than his throwing arm, with 97 yards rushing, the highest of the team against the Gators.
When asked what will the Bearcats need to work on at practice for the upcoming match against Choctaw Central, Coach Jonathan Worrell said, “This week provides an excellent opportunity to focus more on fundamentals and not so much on out-scheming the opponent. Our biggest emphasis on both offense and defense will be pad level and explosiveness off the ball.” Pad level refers to playing with good bend in the knees and ensuring that your shoulder pads are lower on contact than the opposition’s. The idea is one of physics—the lower man wins in a physical collision. The Bearcats host the Choctaw Central Warriors on Friday, the 29th of September.
