COVER1: Central Bobcats Head Coach Unleashed

SAN ANGELO, TX — Central Bobcats' new head football coach Mark Smith stopped by the studio on Thursday, July 18, to discuss the upcoming 2024 football season. San Angelo ISD hired Smith to take the helm of the Bobcats' football program back on Feb. 2.

After the Cats' disappointing 1-9 finish last football season, the school district decided to move in a different direction. Enter Smith, a longtime high school and college football coach. Smith spent last season on Brent Venables' staff at the University of Oklahoma but felt it was the right time for him and his family to reenter the high school game. 

During the interview, Smith expressed his excitement for the upcoming season and said that last year's team was talented. The 'Cats finished 1-4 last season in one-score games and lost an additional two games by 10 points or less. He said that Central's biggest issue facing it during the offseason was mentality adjustment.

The 'Cats have been hard at work this offseason, and Smith said that everyone is excited for the start of two-a-days on August 5. The Bobcats open up the 2024 season at home against their oldest rivals, the Abilene High Eagles, on Aug. 30 at San Angelo Stadium. Kickoff for that contest is set for 7 p.m.