Central Bobcats Dominate El Paso Montwood on the Road

ANDREWS, TX — The Central Bobcats traveled to Andrews on Friday night looking to correct a two-game skid at a neutral-site matchup against the El Paso Montwood Rams. Despite a slow start in the 1st quarter, Central's defense gave the Bobcats' offense time to wake up and take control of the game. The Bobcats dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage to claim victory, 42-7.

"I thought we had game control early," head coach Mark Smith said after the game. "I thought we had a group of guys that would take over this game, and sometimes it just needs a spark to do that. The last six minutes of the second quarter, 21 points from us. Great job by the offense, defense, and kicking game, all of it put together. I think that set the tone."

Montwood struck first in this contest. After both teams traded interceptions to start the game, the Rams took advantage of a muffed punt to move the ball deep into Bobcats' territory. Montwood coaxed Central offsides on a hard count a play later and connected on a deep pass on the free play for a touchdown.

Central would finally respond in the 2nd quarter. Down 7-0 with the ball at the Bobcats' 6-yard line to start the 2nd, Central put on an absolute clinic on offense to tie the game. The Bobcats drove the ball 94 yards, converted two 4th downs (including one on their own 29-yard line), and drained 7:44 off the clock before they scored. Micah Smith found a wide-open Zey Johnson for an 8-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7.

After another stop on defense, Central, once again, converted a 4th down just outside the 10-yard line to take the lead. Johnson scored his second touchdown of the evening on an 11-yard run to give Central a 14-7 lead with time running out in the 2nd quarter.

Central's defense forced a quick three-and-out to give the offense back the ball with 49 seconds left in the half. The offense thanked the defense with another score, this time a 40-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Gavin Johnson.

Central took a 21-7 lead into the locker rooms at the break.

The Bobcats picked up precisely where they left off in the first half. After both teams traded punts, Central took advantage of some great field position to score another touchdown. Gavin Johnson scored his second touchdown of the evening on a pass from Smith in the corner of the end zone. Central took a 28-7 lead, and never looked back.

The Bobcats would add two more touchdowns: a 33-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Johnson and another touchdown run by Zey Johnson. Up 42-7, the backups came into the game to run out the rest of the clock.

Central claimed victory, 42-7.

Enough cannot be said about how well the Bobcats' defense performed on Friday night. After giving up an early touchdown, only after a muffed punt, the Bobcats completely shut down the Rams' offense. Central recorded multiple sacks, a takeaway, and forced several punts as Montwood never scored again. Even when the Rams approached the end zone, the defense found a way to beat Montwood back.

"I felt like we were in control, defensively," Smith continued. "That was a good, well-rounded game by us. We needed that. We needed a neutral-site game that sets the groundwork for a playoff-type atmosphere when you come to a place that's neither team's home field. So, really proud of the way the guys played in all phases. It was a great night."

Next up, Central returns home to face off with Belton High School. Kickoff in that matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m.