Central in a Slugfest with Abilene Cooper

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Central Bobcats (0-2) hosted the Abilene Cooper Cougars (1-1) at San Angelo Stadium on Friday night with high hopes of earning the 'Cats' first victory in 2025. Tough defense and a few explosive plays defined the slugfest that has Abilene with a slight advantage at the half, 14-10.

1st Quarter

After trading a few punts early on, Abilene Cooper struck first. Set up by a long pass play over the middle, the Cougars found themselves inside the 'Cats' 20-yard line for the first time in the contest. Central's defense held tough and even held Abilene Cooper to a 4th and goal from the 5-yard line, but the Cougars rolled the dice and scored. Cooper led 7-0 midway through the first quarter.

Central responded as time wound down in the period. After a few runs, quarterback Micah Smith hit Gabriel Garcia on a shallow post over the middle. The young man then showed his speed as he outran the defenders for a 60-yard touchdown catch. The Bobcats tied it at 7-7, with just seconds remaining in the 1st quarter.

2nd Quarter

Central's defense continued to play tough in the 2nd quarter, even gifting their offense with a takeaway on a fumble near the 'Cats 40-yard line. Unfortunatelyl, Central could not capitilize on the gift, and punted the ball away. Cooper marched down the field on the ensuing drive. A few solid runs led to a 25-yard touchdown catch on a go route from one of Cooper's speedy receivers.

Down 14-7, the 'Cats had to respond. A tough drive led to a goal-to-go opportunity for Central, but a bobbled snap had the 'Cats' settling for a 27-yard field goal.

Central's defense sacked Cooper twice on the following possession to give Central one more opportunity to score before the half. The Bocbats lined up for a 48-yard field goal that unfortunately hit the uprights. Both teams headed to the locker room with Cooper holding a 14-10 advantage.