COVER1: New Faces on the Central Bobcats Strap Up for 2023

Under Coach Martin, the Bobcats hope to improve drastically on defense from a season where they allowed too many points. The ‘Cats have the athletes, and with Martin’s system in place, they should be able to perform at a higher level this season. New names to Central's defense, Abel Ramirez with the linebackers and Coeyn Warkala on the defensive front look to lead on the defensive side of the ball. 

On offense, Coach Crane always has his team firing on all cylinders. Last year, QB Tyler Hill accumulated 2341 yards on 164/272 passing and a 22-6 touchdown to interception ratio. On the ground, the Bobcats ran for 2398 yards and 31 touchdowns between Hill and the ‘Cats' two bell cows, Tyree Brawley and Jayvion Robinson. The Bobcats lost Hill to graduation in May but returned Robinson and Brawley. Both runningbacks look to lead the runningback committee in 2023 and should expect a heavy dose of carries moving forward. Wide receiver is another position that Coach Crane is confident about this year. Malik Kates and Alex Lindsey lead the receiving corps.

The offensive line graduated three mainstays over the past few seasons. The loss will give the Bobcats a new unit up front. Some of the returners this season are Junior Tackle Tuuta Kalamafoni and Center Braylen Roundtree. The offensive line had a productive spring, and these two young men need to be the new anchors of the line.

The quarterback position is still a question mark in 2023 as Tyler Hill graduated and moved on to Angelo State University to continue his football career. The leading candidate as of now seems to be Christian English, last season’s JV quarterback and star point guard on the Varsity basketball team. English throws a pretty football and is accurate when slinging the rock. He also has cannon of an arm and can launch the ball deep. Also waiting in the wings is Tyler Hill’s younger brother, Colton Hill. Hill is a sophomore playing up on Varsity this season and is a talented football player. Even if he does not play quarterback, the young athlete will most likely play receiver. It is unclear what Coach Crane will decide in the end, but whoever suits up under center is capable of making big plays.

The Bobcats are a young team entering the 2023 football season. Coach Crane has always done an excellent job at putting a good product on the field, and now with a solid system in place from middle school through high school, the Bobcats should be fine. Replacing talented players is never easy, but with the Bobcats’ next-man-up philosophy, fans are in store for some fireworks in 2023. There will be early growing pains entering this season, but by the time Central reaches District 2-6A play, the ‘Cats will be ready to go.

The Central Bobcats kick off their 2023 campaign against Killeen Shoemaker on August 25 at 7 p.m. in San Angelo.