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2007 Season Outlook
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Opp begins the 2007 season with a different perspective - although coming off back to back 1-9 campaigns the Bobcats have increased players, strength, and attitude for the new season.  . 
 

Coach Whigham has been at this for 20 years since he graduated from Opp High School in 1983.  A rough 1-9 first season - that could have easily been 6-4, but turnovers and errors cost the Bobcats several opportunities to win.  Whigham has two new assistance this season although Michael Cassady, John Donaldson and Greg Ennis return. Juan Johnson and Ronnie Sansom are making their first appearance as assistance for Opp although Sansom is no stranger to Bobcat football - coming from Straughn High School. 
 

OVERVIEW - Last season fans understood a rebuild was in progress, but it was still uncomfortable watching the Bobcats fall to 1-9 for the second straight year. Turnovers proved costly as the Bobcats fumbled away opportunities. This season, second year head coach Jack Whigham should return the Bobcats to the middle of the pack in 4A region 2 and compete for the third or fourth playoff spot. Whigham, a 1983 alumni, has the intent of building Opp to the winning status one enjoyed by Bobcats fans, and after watching the players responding to the intensity and determination – it may come sooner than anticipated.

The Bobcats are around the middle tier of the region and return 43 underclassmen from the 2007 season. Opp will count on a home field advantage through their most difficult games including Daleville, Andalusia (Sept 14) Ashford (Oct 5) and Trinity (Oct 19). The Trinity game could prove the difference for the Bobcats who entertain thoughts of post season play for the first time in three seasons.

Senior Cody Hall should have an outstanding season at quarterback with the size and arm strength to be successful in his classification. At 6’1 200, Hall will have several teammates to assist him, including Donald Jones and Deontay Green out of the backfield.

Games against Daleville and Saint James will be key and the Bobcats can not afford to overlook Bullock County as they did last season. The Bobcats could finish as well as 7-3, but 4-6 could put them in the play-offs with wins over Bullock, ACA, Daleville and St. James.
 

What to watch on offense – The offense will have a lot of holes to fill in the upcoming season, but the progression of Cody Hall could ease any pains early. Bradley Anderson, Spencer Youmans and Paul Umbarger should provide protection upfront, while the addition of 6’1 195 lb Junior Deontay Green in the backfield should ease the loss of Danshay Edwards. Donald Jones has speed, but at 5’8 162 will not overpower defenders, but could excite once he gains a corner.

6’2 Junior Lavarous Colston and Senior TE Nicky Archie should provide solid targets for Hall as defenses key on stopping Green/Jones.  The Bobcats have plenty of depth although talent level is still young with hte majority of players - Sophomores and Freshmen. 

What to watch on defense – Underclassmen will have to step up on defense as the Bobcats are still possibly a year or two away from dominating and shutting down opponents. However size and strength on the defensive front including 5’11 277 lb tackle Curtis Matthews will help.  Senior Albert Wilson is the free safety for the Bobcats and has the speed and ability to keep Opp from getting burned in 2007.

The Bobcats also have Senior Jontae Washington 6' 310lbs - to call upon on defense.  Although not a projected started WC Lane and Sam Helms are available. 

The schedule – The Bobcats start the season with three home games and could be 2-1 coming out. Expect a loss to Andalusia and Trinity, but Bobcats could surprise teams if they believe in themselves with an attitude to win. Opp must win against St. James, Ashford, and Bullock County, to make the playoffs and could surprise Trinity at home. The Bobcats can not afford to overlook Florala in the pre-season Jamboree and need a victory against Luverne to get the season started right. If they lose both of those games, Whigham will need to motivate the players going into a must win against Alabama Christian (Sept 7).

The team will be better if – expects to win. After back-to-back 1-9 seasons, Coach Whigham has given the Bobcats something to believe in - - - a future. The Bobcats have an early expectation to win and if they could survive the first half of a difficult schedule could find themselves in the playoff picture

Best Offensive Player – Deontay Green
Best Defensive Player – Nicky Archie

Key player to a successful season – Cody hall

The season will be a success if… The offense will reduce the number of turnovers and the defense reduces points allowed. Cody Hall must play to expectation and take command of the team in a leadership capacity. The team has to believe it can win the overtime games.

Key games: Trinity – Ashford

Losses: Andalusia, WS Neal, Trinity
Wins: Bullock County, Alabama Christian, Elba
Must win: St. James, Ashford

Daleville – The Warhawks open with WS Neal - have an off week with Bullock County, before Trinity on Sept 14.  Opp host Daleville on Sept 21 and both teams could be 3-0, 2-1, 1-2.  Realistically both teams will be 1-1 in the region and the winner will have the inside track to the third seed.  
Luverne - The Tigers were 9-1 in the regular season, including opening win against the Bobcats in Luverne.  Opp had 7 turnovers in the game and should have won the 2006 contest.  The Tigers have middle tier D1 talent on defense, but have to replace Hawkins (signed with Troy) at halfback.
 

Projected Region Finish

Andalusia (6-1)
Trinity (6-1)
Daleville (5-2)
Opp (4-3)
Ashford (3-4)
St James (2-5)
Alabama Christian (1-6)
Bullock County (0-7)




2006 Fun Stats
- Team played two games in Overtime (1-1)
- turnovers cost the Bobcats 5 games
- scored 132 points in 9 games and 54 in last game
- defense allowed 35.2 points per game
- offense average 18.6 points per game