Secure the Football
(newton peters - program23)

Coach Whigham's team followed is learning and growing.  Despite losing their opener to Luverne 32-18 there is still a desire to improve and win.... "these young men played until the end - we just have to secure the football".  The Bobcats turned the ball over 7 times against the Tigers, but still had opportunities to win the football game.  "You can't win games and turn it over inside the red zone - and we did that 3 times" said Whigham.  Special Teams is something that Coach Whigham has been teaching can change games and the players experienced both sides of the truth, fumbling a punt and kick-off -- but also blocking a punt and returning it for a Bobcat touchdown. 

The Bobcats were down 18 - 6 and fought back to tie the game at 18 before Luverne took the half time lead 24 - 18.   Luverne scored in the 4th quarter to finish off the night's victory.  Sophomore RB Chris Carlton showed their is future talent here in Opp - with a 90 yard TD run and Sr. Danshay Edwards averaged 6 yards a carry, but almost everybody that touched the ball on offense turned the ball over - with 6 fumbles and an interception - it was hard to gain any momentum in a game. 

LAST WEEK

The Bobcat players must feel if they held onto the ball against Luverne they win - that should help establish confidence looking forward.  This Friday's game is the opening region match-up against Alabama Christian Academy.  "We match-up well athletically with [ACA]" said Coach Whigham - preparing for the afternoon practice - "They'll run a wing-T offense about 70% and spread it out about 30%".  The Eagles, although mostly a running team, try to work the ball to their wide out.  Brent Teel had 134 all purpose yards in their opening game loss to Escambia County (Atmore) 28-15.  The Bobcats will have to know where he is at 100% of the time - he was also the leading defensive players last week as well.

For the Bobcats, junior LB Nicky Archie applied the most stops against Luverne - blocked a punt and also had a fumble recovery.  Donald Jones added 10 tackles as the Bobcats look to contain the Eagles balanced attack - skewed by the Eagles Michael Cousars minus 31 yards rushing .

Game starts 7:00 pm.

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