For the last six years, the Straughn Tigers have had the upper hand in their rivalry with Opp.

 

The Bobcats came into last night’s game with one win under their belts, and they were looking to end the six-game skid.

 

An electric atmosphere was in the stadium at Straughn, as neither team’s defense allowed the other to score on their first possession. With two and a half minutes left in the first quarter, Tiger quarterback Barrett Bush connected on a pass to Jacob Hawkins for a 28-yard score. The PAT was blocked and Straughn led 6-0.

 

The defenses took over for the remainder of the half, and the Tigers led 6-0 at the break.
Opp came out and scored on its opening possession of the third quarter.

 

Hennis Washington scored from 8 yards out to tie the game at 6-6. Lacey converted the PAT and the Bobcats led 7-6.

 

Opp quickly got the ball back after a turnover, and Lacey connected with Washington for a 28-yard score. Lacey also ran in a two-point conversion and Opp led 15-6.

 

Straughn’s next score came with 9 minutes to go in the game. Alan George won a jump ball with a Bobcat defender and ran in for a 29-yard score. The Tigers again missed the PAT and Opp led 15-12.
On fourth-and-seven Lacey pitched to Reggie Thompson who through a strike to Hennis Washington for a 22 yard touchdown putting the Bobcats back up by nine 21-12.

 

Bush scored in the final minute of the game for Straughn to cut the score to 21-18, but the Bobcats recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock for the win.

 

“I am very proud of our young men and their continuous effort,” said Opp head coach Brent Hill following the game. Hill also told the team, “You boys came through all the adversity you faced during the game.”
Opp plays host to Hillcrest-Evergreen next Friday, while Staughn welcomes St James to begin region play.