Bobcats wins opener
 

The Opp Bobcats knew they needed to establish themselves early in 2007 to begin their rebuilding program.  "We did some things right against Florala that will help us build on for the coming weeks" said Coach Jack Whigham after the Bobcats tied the Wildcats in their preseason Jamboree.

Some Bobcat fans felt a tie against Florala could have been a lose, but just the opposite.  Florala has a talented senior class and provided a great practice environment for coaches to evaluate players and situations - plus add the experience gained during the late drive to tie the score 7-7 with less than three minutes remaining - builds confidence.

After the preseason game - the players were gathered outside the stadium waiting to leave and were gaining confidence in their team.  Opp has struggled to  2-18 over the previous two seasons.  A tie, especially after a hard fought physical game - was a victory for both teams and a building block.

OPP vs. LUVERNE

Opp scored first and had an early advantage over the Tigers, but Luverne answered with their own score.  The Bobcats re-captured the lead and had a halftime 12-6 advantage.  Luverne opened the second half with a long kick-off returned that ended inside the Bobcat's five yard line and eventually scored to tie the game 12-12.  Both teams went back and forth until the Luverne Tigers took an early fourth quarter lead 18-12. 

Offense
Rushing - 120
Passing - 129

Albert Wilson - 106 receiving - 1 TD
Josh Scarbrough - rushed 2 TD

Defense
rushing - 83
passing - 105

Chris Carlton - 17 tackles (11 solo)

Now back to the Florala contest - last season the Bobcats were in all but two games (Andalusia and WS Neal) and even had half time leads (led Trinity last season as well).  Some way last year the Bobcats found a way not to win, but beginning with their late, game tying score in Florala - Opp has begun to build confidence.

BACK TO LUVERNE - The Bobcats took the ball around their own 25 yard line and Cody Hall navigated a long - character building drive that tied the game 18-18.  The extra point was good and the Bobcats had a lead with just over 3 minutes to play.  Opp's defense stopped the Tigers on 4 plays at mid-field and the offense ran out the clock to preserve their first regular season win 19-18. 

NEXT UP

The Bobcats host Alabama Christian Academy Friday Night with kickoff slated for 7:00 PM.  ACA dropped their opening match-up to 4A Escambia County 12-8. 

The Eagles' led 8-6 before a 4th and 10 pass by Escambia went off the hands of one receiver into the waiting arms of another - giving Escambia the 12-8 victory.    Last season the Bobcats battled the Eagles in a thrilling overtime victory in Montgomery.