The Opp Bobcats were able to shrug off a slow start to the season when the came away with a 26-0 victory over the Straughn Tigers Friday night in Opp.

With both teams coming off of stinging losses in non-regional play, both the Bobcats and Tigers were looking for a 1-0 start in the region as the two teams squared off in Opp.

It was the Bobcats who got things off to the fast start.

Ashton Patel bobbled the opening kick off and picked the ball up at the Bobcats own goal line and found a hole and was off for a school record 100-yard touchdown for a 6-0 Opp lead.

The Bobcats continued to push down the field, but due to several penalties, were unable to score the rest of the half and Opp took 6-0 lead into the locker room.

After stopping the Tigers on their opening drive of the second half, the Bobcats wasted no time in scoring their second touchdown.

Hal Smithart hit Reggie Thompson for an 80-yard strike for a 12-0 lead.

On Opp next possession the Bobcats drove to the 6-yard line and faced third and goal.

Smithart hit Thompson again on a slant in pass for a 6-yard score and an 18-0 lead.

Thompson then put the exclamation point on the Bobcat win with a 62 yard score with two minutes remaining in the game.

Opp completed its only two-point attempt of the night on a run by Kody Richburg to shut out Straughn 26-0.

The win by Opp was their third straight over Straughn and their first at home since 2009.

Thompson was the story for the Bobcats on the night.

The Bobcat senior had 134 yard receiving on just five catches and two touchdowns.

Thompson also was the leader on the ground with 64 yards on just two carries.

Spurlin Kelley had 65 yards receiving as well.

Freshman Bobcat quarterback Smithart in his first ever varsity start went 11-of-17 passing for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns.

For Straughn, quarterback Scott Roney provided all the offense for the Tigers.

Roney rushed for 82 yards on the ground on 23 carries and was 4 of 13 passing for 66 yards.

Bobcat head coach Brent Hill stated after the game, “ That it was good for our team to get a win coming off a physical week of practice.  We hope this will be a learning lesson and building block for the rest of the season and the future.”

Opp travels to Wicksburg next Friday night while Straughn hosts Providence Christian.