San Angelo Central Welcomes Undefeated Odessa Permian on Friday

SAN ANGELO, TX — Few teams get San Angeo Central football fans fired up like Odessa Permian.

While the rest of America knows Permian from its “Friday Night Lights” fame, the Central Bobcats have been playing the Panthers, primarily as a district rival, since 1959.

They’ll meet again at 7 p.m. Friday at San Angelo Stadium when Central (3-3 overall, 0-1 in District 2-6A) hosts undefeated Permian.

The Panthers’ success is legendary. They’ve won six state titles and had five other state final appearances, though they haven’t played for the title since a runner-up finish in 1995.

Permian has won five straight in this series, including a 42-14 win last year in Odessa.

Central head coach Mark Smith said he’s looking forward to the challenge. 

“I like that they’re undefeated coming in here. It’s going to be a great environment right here in this stadium,” Smith said. “It’s a big game for the people in this community, and it’s a big game for people in that community.

“It’s the most important game on our schedule because it’s the next one, and I’m confident we’ll play our best football Friday night.”

Central, which went winless in district play last year, showed how far it has come this fall in a 42-36 loss to six-time defending district champ Midland Legacy last week. 

The Bobcats lost by 42 points to the Rebels last year and fell into a 35-14 halftime deficit this time before a late comeback attempt.

“One thing that’s always been encouraging about this team is it doesn’t worry about those deficits,” Smith said. “They just keep playing one play at a time and keep chopping wood.”

Permian is led by running back Gavin Black, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound junior who has already rushed for 1,250 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s averaging 8.8 yards per carry.

Black is running behind an experienced offensive line that averages 275 pounds.

The Panthers don’t pass much, but junior quarterback Jakob Garcia has been efficient when they do. He has completed 55 of 83 passes (66%) for 802 yards and eight TDs with three interceptions.

Central continues to have stellar play from its senior signal caller, Christian English. He threw for 222 yards and two TDs on 15-of-29 passing last week, while rushing 10 times for 116 yards and two TDs.

Permian won its district opener against crosstown rival Odessa High 50-26 last week. Frenship defeated Midland High 48-47 in the district’s other matchup.

“This league is good top to bottom,” Smith said. “Every week, you’re going to play a team that’s really challenging.”