Bobcats ready for top-5 battle
Published 12:05 am Tuesday, October 25, 2016
The Opp Bobcats (8-1) are looking to finish off the regular season with a win over non-conference rival Elba (8-1) Thursday night in Opp.
Both teams come into the game ranked in the top five in their classification.
“They are a very good team,” Opp head coach Brent Hill said of Elba. “They have some talented players and they are well coached like always. This year, like most year, they have been able to beat some really good teams. Coach (Ed) Rigby always seems get the most of the players that he has. We are going to have to be ready to come out playing strong because I know Elba will.”
The Bobcats currently lead the all-time series against Elba with a 44-36 record.
Opp knocked off Elba last season 20-14.
Last week, the Bobcats secured the No. 1 spot in Class 3A, Region 2 with a 32-29 victory over Daleville.
The win against Daleville not only earned the Bobcats the region championship, but it also has them on four-game win streak heading in the final game of the regular season.
Opp hasn’t lost a game since falling to Class 4A, No. 1-ranked Andalusia.
The Elba Tigers also come into the game on four-game winning streak after also winning their region championship last week.
Elba’s only loss of the season came against Daleville earlier in the year.
“They have been able to put up a lot of points on offense this season,” Hill said. “We are going to have be assignment conscious and try to limit the chances they get to make a big play.”
The Bobcats have been led the season by senior dual-threat quarterback Orlando Lacey.
Through nine games, Lacey has passed for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. Lacey has added 806 yards rushing to go along with 11 touchdowns. Lacey has eclipsed the 100-yard rush mark three times this season. The multi-talented senior also has 130 yards and two touchdowns receiving.
The Bobcats have also had a big year from running back Hennis Washington.
Washington has 791 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground in nine games for Opp. Washington has three 100-yard rushing games for Opp this year.
Washington has also caught a handful of passes for 357 yards and six touchdowns.
“Offensively, we are going to continue to do what we have done all season,” Hill said. “What we do on offense, is based on what we see from them on defense. If they try to load up to stop the run, we will pass and visa-versa.”
Kickoff between the Bobcats the Tigers will be at 7 p.m., Friday at Channell-Lee Stadium in Opp.