Focus helps Bobcats soar over Eagles, 41-7

Published 2:38 am Saturday, October 14, 2017

By TRIPP NORRIS

The Bobcats looked to continue their success from a week ago as they hosted the Providence Christian Eagles in a crucial region match-up.

The Bobcats’ defense came out stuffing the Eagles on the first possession of the game, leading to Opp’s first score.

Midway through the first quarter Reggie Thompson connected with Tye Lindsey for the first of two scores and a 6-0 Opp lead.

In the last five minutes of the half the Bobcats scored again to extend their lead. Ashton Patel ran in from 10 yards out and a 14-0 Bobcats lead.

Ashton Patel rushed for 129 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.
Tripp Norris/Star-News

After two penalties backed Opp up to their 11-yard line, Thompson caught the Eagles’ defense off guard as Lindsey got behind the Providence defenders and caught a pass for an 89-yard score and a 21-0 Bobcat lead at the half.

Unlike in the previous game, the Bobcats did not let up in the third quarter, scoring two more times. Patel scored his second touchdown of the game, this time on a 12-yard run.

From there the Bobcats scored in the air. Thompson threw his third touchdown pass of the game, this time to Colby Williams from 30 yards, out which put Opp up 35-0.

In the final quarter many of the younger Bobcats saw action.

Opp’s final touchdown came from running back Dacarmeyen Hines who ran in from 6 yards out.

The lone score from the Eagles came with seven minutes to go in the game against Bobcats back up defense. Opp won the game 41-7 to officially clinch a playoff spot.

Thompson had a huge night in the air for the Bobcats, completing nine of 17 passing for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Tye Lindsey caught four passes for 141 yards and two scores. Javontae Crittenden caught two balls for 113 yards and Colby Williams had three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

Patel was the story on the ground, racking up 129 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.

On defense, Allan Morrow had 10 tackles, and Draylon Stoudemire seven with each recording a sack. Ethan Baker and Lane Ballard had six tackles each.

Bobcat coach Brent Hill said staying focused was the key.

“I’m proud of the growth and focus of the team,” Hill said. “Last week we had a 21-0 lead at half and had to fight back to win in the fourth quarter. This week we took care of business in the second half and I’m really proud of the players and staff.”

Opp travels to Geneva next Friday night.