LIVE! Game of the Week: Will Central Hold Off Resurgent Odessa High?

SAN ANGELO, TX-- Last time the Central Bobcats took the field, they overcame an unlikely deficit to Killeen Shoemaker. This week, following their bye week, Central (4-0) will travel to Ratliff Stadium to take on Odessa High (2-3, 0-1) in the Bobcats first district game of 2017.

The Bronchos are currently on a three-game losing streak. Odessa has played close games all season, up until they faced a stout, undefeated Tascosa team in week five. In the 36-9 loss for Odessa, the Bronchos were limited to just 250 yards of offense. That'll have to change if Odessa is to have a chance to compete with the Bobcats. Odessa is also 1-1 this season at Ratliff Stadium going into their third home game.

The Bobcats are one of four undefeated teams in district 2-6A. But Central's bye week during the opening week of district play means they need to get off to a great start with a win this week.

Offense: Advantage Central

Central's offense has been uncontainable for opponents in 2017, as the Bobcats are averaging 502 yards of total offense and 43.8 points per game. Behind Junior Quarterback Maverick McIvor and Senior Receivers Henry Teeter and Jesse Scott Jr., the Bobacts have 1,344 yards of offense and 13 touchdowns alone. Odessa's offense has struggled as of late. The Bronchos, during their losing streak, are averaging 280 yards of offense. Last week against Tascosa marked the second time this season that Odessa had 250 yards or less on offense. Overall, Odessa is bal

Defense: Advantage Central

Central's defense has been stellar all season, holding opponents to an average of almost 276 yards of offense, sacking them twice, and intercepting passes roughly once per game. Senior Defensive-Back Gage Smith has accounted for four of the five Bobcat interceptions this season, proving that his experience is invaluable for the Angry Orange. Odessa hasn't done well when it comes to total offense against. The Bronchos, in their last four games, have allowed an average of 333 yards. Where Odessa does well is creating turnovers. Through five games, the Bronchos have four interceptions and four recovered fumbles. Turnovers are what have kept Odessa in games all season. If Odessa can create turnovers, this game will be closer than expected.

Odessa looks better than they did a year ago, there's no doubt about that. However, Tascosa may have shown Odessa's hand because the Rebels kept the ball on the ground and, subsequently, secured. The Bobcats can attack through the air and on the ground. McIvor has only thrown one interception this season and the Bobcats have only lost four fumbles in 2017. That will favor them well in this matchup. Central must come out fully prepared in this game, however, or they may be forced to play catch-up. All things considered, Central should run rampant of Odessa.

Prediction: Central 51, Odessa 10