10 Years Ago......The 1998 Bobcats

[Bobcatfan4life]

GoStangs wrote this article for the penny record 10 years ago on the OF playoff loss to Crockett in the area round......

Orangefield’s Dream Season Comes to an End

Gashed with honourable scars,

Low in Glory's lap they lie;

Though they fell, they fell like stars,

Streaming splendour through the sky.

The Battle of Alexandria - James Montgomery

When the season began just three months ago, most of the “experts,†in high school football did not even pick the Orangefield Bobcats to finish in the top three of their district, let alone to win a playoff game. Dave Campbell’s football magazine, recognized as the state’s elite predictor of successful teams to be, picked the Bobcats to place fifth in a district of six. Three months ago, if someone would say the only Orange County team to be in the second round of the playoff season was Orangefield, not West Orange-Stark or Little Cypress-Mauriceville, that person would have been pushed aside with a chuckle, a wink, and a nod. But what a difference three months makes in high school football.

Building on the successes of last year’s 5-5 squad that finished third in district, the Bobcats improved and made the playoffs for the first time in a decade. It was a season of dreams, and the underdog ‘Cats battled into the second round of the playoffs with the hopes of the community with them to bring home another post-season victory.

Going into the second round of the state championship playoffs, the Bobcats were riding on a wave of emotion after a thrilling win over Hamshire-Fannett in the bi-district round of the postseason. Entering the second round of the playoffs, the area round, Orangefield was facing another uphill battle, but one could not help but pull for the Cinderella Cats.

Facing the Crockett Bulldogs, a team returning from last year’s 12-1 regional semi-final year, the odds were definitely against the ‘Cats, but Orangefield never showed signs of intimidation. This Bobcat team believed they could win and played until the final whistle sounded, ending the game 41-31, and ending the dream season with plenty to be proud of and an 8-4 record.

Head Coach Randy Theriot upset with the loss, explained he was “fulfilled,†with the success of the season. “I felt like we deserved to be here. We gave a great effort and we played for 48 minutes. This will be a team to remember. They were all over-achievers. Their picture will go on a wall for us to remember them.â€

Once again, senior running back Beaux Daville had an outstanding effort. On this night, Daville would carry the ball 27 times for 206 yards and three touchdowns, and in the effort he became the first Bobcat ever to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. Daville, who finished last year with 503 yards rushing, ended this year with 2015 yards on 272 carries (7.4 yards per carry for the season) and 25 touchdowns.

Although Daville had a great year, this was a total team effort, as the team motto, “One Heartbeat,†would show throughout the season and into the playoffs. Coach Theriot and his staff called some gutsy plays, including the first play from scrimmage (a halfback option), and the ‘Cats showed they were ready, not only to play, but to win. The Bobcats team effort was what got them this far and it was their team effort for which this night will be remembered. Orangefield had some costly mistakes but they were in the game until time ran out on them, and if played again, it could easily go the Bobcats’ way.

Coach Theriot, commenting on the season, said, “I couldn’t be more pleased. We came out early in the season and set goals and we achieved them. I’m very proud of our team. This was a total team effort.â€

It was a great season for the Bobcats and one that the entire Orange County Community should be proud of, as well. They had a great season and fought hard each and every game. It was a great ride and fun while it lasted, but the Orangefield fans better get used to the team being in the postseason. The Cats will be back.

[grizzly62]

The good ole days we had a blast ill tell you that!!!!

[AggiesAreWe]

I wonder who it was that knocked WOS out of the playoffs in the first round that year??? Hmmmmmm

(got to get my shots in when I can Stang fans, they are few and far between) ;D

[stangchain]

I wonder who it was that knocked WOS out of the playoffs in the first round that year??? Hmmmmmm

(got to get my shots in when I can Stang fans, they are few and far between) ;D

Hilight for you, huh, AAW?  LOL....I've seen you mention it several times.....

[AggiesAreWe]

I wonder who it was that knocked WOS out of the playoffs in the first round that year??? Hmmmmmm

(got to get my shots in when I can Stang fans, they are few and far between) ;D

Hilight for you, huh, AAW?  LOL....I've seen you mention it several times.....

So true, so true. Got to toot the horn when you can. ;D

[Cat22]

Daville was a good one!