Defense wins championships and last night the Opp Bobcat defense won a football game for Head Coach Jeff Rhodes.

The Bobcats topped the visiting Rehobeth Rebels by a final score of 17-7.

The defense played a huge role in the win with two touchdowns.

The first score came when Jason Stanley scooped up a fumble and raced about 25 yards for a touchdown. Brock Kelley added the PAT and the Bobcats held an early 7-0 lead.

Rehobeth managed to tie the score at 7-7 before the halftime intermission. The scored remined knotted at 7-7 going into the half.

In the second half, Opp got three points from special teams when Kelley booted a 25-yard field goal.

Kelley's kick gave the Bobcats a 10-7 lead.

Opp's defense added an insurance score late in the game. Mariel Mount blew up the Rehobeth quarterback causing a fumble which was recovered by Courtney Tillis in the end zone for a touchdown. Kelley added the PAT for a 17-7 lead.

Rehobeth would not score again as Opp held on for a 17-7 win.

Rhodes said he was impressed and pleased by the play of his defense.

"They played a great ball game," Rhodes said. "We've had several opportunities to scoop and score this season. We just have fallen on the ball or not been able to return it.

"It was one of those nights when we needed to be able to scoop and score and we were able to," he added.

He said Rehobeth has a good team with a strong defense.

"It was a defensive struggle all night," Rhodes said. "They have a great defense.

"They have a ball-control offense and wait for you to make a mistake," he added.

Rhodes said the difference in the game might have been Kelley and the progress he has made kicking the ball.

"It is big to have a field goal kicker. He has improved tremendously the last three weeks," Rhodes said.

The Bobcats are now 6-1 on the season and 5-0 in Class 4A, Region 2.

Rehobeth falls to 6-1 and 4-1 in region play.