PREVIEW: Central Looks to Claim First District Win in Odessa

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Central Bobcats (4-3)(0-1) look to get back on track after a heartbreaking loss to Midland Lee last week when the 'Cats hit the road to take on Odessa High at Ratliff Stadium.

Last time out, the Bobcats controlled much of the game against Midland Lee before turnovers allowed the Rebels to eventually take control in the second half. Despite that, Central's defense came through when the Bobcats needed it most to give them one final opportunity to score. Unfortunately, Central did not manage to get into the end zone.

The Bobcats made it inside the Rebels' 20-yard line, but with time running out, running back Zey Johnson, who had four touchdowns on the night, could not be the deciding factor. Midland Lee held off the Bobcats at the goal line to claim a 32-27 victory.

Despite the loss, head coach Mark Smith said he's proud of his team's year-over-year progress.

"Through seven games last year compared to through seven games this year, our offense averages more yards per game, more explosive runs and more explosive passes," an optimistic Coach Smith said at his weekly press conference on Tuesday. "Our defense is already 50 yards allowed less per game through seven games than a year ago, great red zone defense, and six points less per game. That was my encouragement to the team."

After a loss like that, it would be easy for any team to be down.

"That was my message to the guys," Smith continued. "That result wasn't the result we wanted, and the tendency is to be down and frustrated. And we are; we needed to make one more play to find a way to get it done, but the big-picture view is that we earned our place at the table."

Central has a chance to prove that this weekend when the Bobcats travel to Odessa to play the Bronchos.

Central vs. Odessa High

• When: Friday, Oct. 23
• Where: Ratliff Stadium, Odessa
• Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Central has had success against Odessa High under Coach Smith's tenure as head coach. The Bobcats beat the Bronchos 23-13 in 2024 before holding off a comeback from Odessa High last year, 35-32.

The Bronchos run an offense that likes to put the ball in the air, get up on the line to snap it quickly and is capable of scoring a lot of points in a hurry if the opposing defense allows it.

Odessa High is led by junior quarterback Phillip Carrasco. There are not very many stats available on the young man, but he threw for over 200 yards each of the first two games this season. On the ground, the Bronchos like to get everyone involved, including the quarterback, running back and wide receivers on jet sweeps. After dealing with the speed that Midland Lee brought to the table, the Bobcats are more than able to contain Odessa High's athletes. They just need to show up, play well and get it done.

On offense, expect, once again, a heavy dose of Zey Johnson on the ground. After scoring four touchdowns and coming in right under 100 yards, Johnson will be hungry to find the end zone again. The offensive line needs to pass protect well in order for Micah Smith to get the passing game going. Ellis Johnson and Jesse Smith stepped up against Midland Lee, and together with Gavin Johnson on the outside, big play opportunities will be there.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Odessa.