PREVIEW: Central Seeks First Victory Against Abilene Cooper Friday

Looking back to last Friday, the 'Cats showed improvement in their home opener, especially in the passing game on offense. Central's starting quarterback, Micah Smith, looked much more comfortable in the pocket and had a much higher completion percentage. Smith finished his second outing under center with 226 yards on 19-34 passing and three touchdowns.

When given time by his offensive line, Smith was able to get the ball in the hands of the 'Cats' true playmakers, the wide receiving corps. Leading those playmakers is Colton Hill, who eclipsed 100 receiving yards for the first time this season with 9 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown. Jimmy Edwards and Gavin Johnson combined for 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

One factor in the loss was the Bobcats' inability to run the ball. Sophomore running back Zey Johnson missed the Amarillo High matchup with an ankle injury, and the Cats felt that absence. Twice, the Bobcats made it inside Amarillo High's 10-yard line and came away with zero points. His frame would have been an asset in those situations.

Abilene Cooper heads into the matchup against the Bobcats with a 1-1 overall record. The Cougars beat Azle 49-25 in Week 1 before falling to Abilene High 34-13 last Friday. Like Central, this football team continues to use nondistrict as a way to improve before the start of district play.

Senior quarterback Jaden Carrillo is leading the way for the Cougars this season. Through the first two weeks, Carrillo threw for 355 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, his biggest threat comes from his legs. He is the second-leading rusher on this team, behind the starting running back, Peyton Ewing, who has 155 yards and three touchdowns this season. Carrillo follows close behind with 141 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The key to victory for the Bobcats this weekend heavily involves containing these two explosive rushers on the ground. The big-play bug bit Central more than once in its opening loss to Abilene High, and that same style of runner comes to San Angelo Stadium on Friday. Central performed well at times against both Abilene High and Amarillo High in the run game and needs to make that a focal point on defense.

However, the biggest key to victory for the defense will be getting off the field on third down. On more than one occasion last week, Central's defense had Amarillo High backed up on third and long, but allowed the Sandies to convert. Those conversions led to sustained drives and the final 41-point tally at the end of the football game. Coach Smith seems confident that the defense has a good plan in place to stop Cooper on Friday, and the Bobcats will need a big game from their defensive leader, Mason Van Sickle.

Van Sickle finished the game against Amarillo High as the Bobcats' leading tackler. He had nine tackles in the loss.

Kickoff in this Friday's matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. at San Angelo Stadium.

Chadwick's Pick:

Opinion time. Central has an excellent and realistic chance to take a huge step forward this weekend. While talented, Abilene Cooper is not Abilene High. Central's defense continues to show improvement from a year ago and looks much better on its defensive front. One worry is that the secondary that gave up explosive plays against Amarillo High, but this coaching staff knows what it is doing. The boys should be ready to play.

Zey Johnson's return should be a boon for Central. The 'Cats' other two running backs did well enough against a defense that sold out to stop the run, but I truly believe Johnson gets into the end zone in those Goal to Go opportunities. Smith continues to take steps forward when he has time in the pocket, but I would like to see the young man use his legs more. Smith showed against Abilene High that he has the speed to make big plays in the running game, and that should free up more receivers in the open field if he is a threat to scramble.

All in all, the Bobcats need this win to show fans and, more importantly, themselves that this can be an excellent football team that can put it all together. I'm taking the Bobcats in this matchup. Central beats Abilene Cooper 31-21.