Bobcats fight hard against Newcastle

by Mark Dykes

Some great touchdown runs and a two-point conversion put up 14 points for the Bobcats Football team in the Friday night match against the Dogies. However, the points came late in the game, and weren't enough to match the 50 Newcastle put up in the first half. The 'Cats were able to keep on the Dogies, though, keeping them from scoring any more in the second.

Turnovers - both in fumbles and interceptions - made it difficult for the Bobcats to move the ball in their favor early on. Though they were able to get within just a few yards of scoring, a Newcastle fumble recovery kept them from the end zone.

Coach Matthew McPhie said the team had quite a few issues in the first half, particularly with regard to blocking and not knowing or performing the plays correctly. With regard to the turnovers, McPhie said when going against a team that plays good football you can't have them.

In the second half, the Bobcats appeared more focused, as the defensive line was able to make more contact with the Dogies, and the offense made some great blocks to provide time for pass plays and critical space for some running room. Milton Peden carried quite a bit, and Cullen Becher had over 50 yards on one run, though McPhie said that run was more like 100, with all of the zig-zagging Becher was doing.

McPhie noted Becher - who's averaging 68.7 yards per game - has a passion for the game, and he looks forward to working with him the rest of the season and next year.

Austin Weaver - who has 11 assisted tackles for the season and one solo - performed well on offense, Coach McPhie said, and on defense Noah Schwalbe had a great game. McPhie noted Schwalbe had been out most of the season due to injury, but returned to the turf Friday and played some awesome defense with 18 tackles; he's hoping to see other members of the team rally around and get on board with him.

Going up against a team like the 6-1 Mountain View Buffaloes this Friday, McPhie said the Bobcats certainly have their work cut out for them. But, the team is excited to be playing at home again, it's a great opportunity for them, but will definitely be a tough test. The game begins at 7 p.m.