Central Bobcats Hold 3-Point Lead Over Odessa High at the Half

ODESSA, TX — The Central Bobcats traveled to Odessa on Friday night to take on Odessa High in a District 2-6A matchup where the Bobcats seek their first district win.

After falling behind early due to long drives by the Bronchos, Central came back to take control in the 2nd quarter and lead at the half, 17-4.

Central won the toss and deferred until the second half. On Odessa High's first possession, Bobcats' Landon Smith stepped in front of an errant pass from the Bronchos to give Central great starting field position in Odessa High territory.

Unfortunately, Central would turn the ball over on downs after failing to convert a 4th and five four plays later.

Odessa High took advantage and went on a march. The Bronchos drained much of the 1st quarter clock to finally take the lead on a screen pass to Odessa High's Ayden Garcia, 7-0.

Central responded quickly in the 2nd quarter. The Bobcats finally kickstarted their offense behind the powerful legs of Zey Johnson. Johnson ran for over 100 yards in the first half and scored two straight touchdowns, one from 18 yards out and one from 43 yards out, in the 2nd quarter to give Central a 14-7 lead midway through the period. 

The Bobcats recovered a designed squib kick to set up a short field goal attempt to stretch the lead to 10, but then mistakes bit Central before the break.

First, a big play from Odessa High set up a short touchdown run to cut the lead to three, and then a false start on 4th and short in Bronchos territory pushed Central back to 4th and long. Central could not convert the subsequent deep pass to Gavin Johnson over the middle and Odessa High took over.

The Bobcats' defense responded, intercepting Bronchos' quarterback Phillip Carrasco in the end zone to secure the 3-point lead. Central headed to the locker rooms up 17-14 at the break.