By TRIPP NORRIS

For the second straight season the Opp Bobcats hosted the Gordo Green Wave in the class 3A AHSAA playoffs. And for the second time, Gordo ended Opp’s playoff dreams.

Last season Gordo won 35-6. This year’s contest saw a defensive battle in the first quarter with neither team scoring.

Gordo scored on a one-yard run early in the second to take a 7-0 lead. The Bobcat defense managed to keep the game to one possession until Gordo scored twice in the last two minutes of the first half. Two passes of 35 yards put the Green Wave up 21-0 at the half.

Opp came out in the hurry offense and drove the ball down the field to get on the board. Reggie Thompson took the hand off and went 34 yards for the score. Opp’s two-point attempt failed and Gordo led 21-6.

The Green Wave scored two more times in the third quarter. A 22-yard scoring run extended Gordo’s lead to 27-6. In the final moments of the third quarter a one-yard run saw Gordo go ahead 33-6.

Opp refused to give up as they punched one in during the final minute of the game when Orlando Lacey scored from two yards out. Then Lacey passed to Raheem Bonam for a successful two-point conversion. The Bobcats recovered the onside kick but were unable to score as Gordo won 33-14 to end Opp’s season.

“I’m really proud of the effort we put in this season” said head coach Brent Hill after the game. “We had a great year and it’s always hard to see it end. Give credit to Gordo for a great game.”

Orlando Lacey carried 15 times for 46 yards and a touchdown to lead Opp on the ground. Reggie Thompson also scored a touchdown, carrying three times for 43 yards. Lacey completed 10 of 20 passing for 81 yards. Hennis Washington had five catches out of the backfield for 44 yards.

On defense Devontae Williams totaled 14 tackles, while Ty’Keenan White had 13. Tramekquez Lane had nine tackles and a sack and Darian Germany had eight tackles.