Central Bobcats Trail Mansfield Lake Ridge by 7 at the Half

MANSFIELD, TX — The Central Bobcats traveled to DFW to open up their road slate against Mansfield Lake Ridge on Friday. The Bobcats and Eagles battled throughout the first half, with Lake Ridge holding a slight advantage at halftime, 21-14.

The first half boiled down to 4th down efficiency. Twice, the Bobcats had the ball in Lake Ridge territory on 4th down, and twice the Eagles found a way to get off the field. Each time, Mansfield took advantage with a touchdown. After scoring on the opening drive, Lake Ridge forced a turnover on Central's first possession on a throw from Micah Smith that was just a bit too long for Gavin Johnson.

The Eagles capitalized almost immediately with a long touchdown drive.

Down 14-0, the Bobcats finally clawed their way onto the board thanks to some tough running from Zey Johnson. Faced with another 4th down, Johnson bruised his way into the end zone from a yard out to narrow the Eagles' advantage to 7.

Central's Gio Walker then forced the game's only turnover on an interception near midfield. However, the Bobcats failed to capitalize after another failed 4th down attempt.

Lake Ridge then drove the field to take a 21-7 lead with time winding down in the 2nd quarter.

Central would respond after a well-timed trick play send Gavin Johnson down the sideline on a reverse for more than 50 yards. Micah Smith would score a 5-yard touchdown run a few plays later to pull the Bobcats back within seven.

Both teams traded possessions in the final two minutes, but neither managed to score. The Bobcats headed to the locker rooms at the half, down 21-14.