Bobcats ready to face ranked Eagles

[Bobcatfan4life]

Bobcats ready to face ranked Eagles

Gabriel Pruett

The Orange Leader

NEWTON — Orangefield coach Brian Huckabay has preached the same things week after week to his Bobcats.

The talks and preparation has paid off the last three weeks as Orangefield has won three in a row heading into tonight’s game at Newton.

The Eagles come in 4-0 and lead the all-time series 23-8-2. Newton and Orangefield tied the first contest, 14-14, in 1964.

Huckabay is not worried about the Eagles and is only concerned with his Bobcats’ team and what they can control.

“It is a big game every week,†Huckabay said. “I hope there is not more excitement this week from our guys than last week. I hope they bring the same level of play each and every week. If there is change then there is a problem.â€

Newton presents a whole new problem for the Bobcats. The Eagles have played a tough non-district schedule and came out on top all four times.

Newton has defeated Corrigan-Camden and Silsbee on the road and defeated East Chambers and Diboll in Newton.

“Not much has changed in Newton in an awful long time,†Huckabay said. “We are similar in philosophies and they have a great program. I am looking forward to a great football game.â€

Newton is led by a powerful duo of running backs.

La Ray Alfred leads the way with 348 yards on 33 carries and three touchdowns while Kelvin Bennett has 294 on 35 totes and three scores.

Newton quarterback Halston Flanigan has completed 10-of-17 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns with four interceptions. Desmond Beatty leads Newton with five catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns.

“It’s a football game,†Huckabay said. “I’m not worried about our opponent.â€

One of the main reasons for Huckabay’s confidence has been the play of the Bobcats over the last three weeks, all Orangefield wins.

The Bobcats are averaging 387.3 yards of offense a game with Corey Huckabay leading the way with 430 yards on 52 carries and seven touchdowns.

Derrick Evans has 286 yards on only 17 carries with four scores while Evan Guidry has 273 yards on 49 totes and three scores.

Chase Parker has added 166 yards and two touchdowns and Rylan Cook has three touchdowns. Josh Shores and Quinton Evans have also been valuable for the Orangefield running game this year.

“I’m happy for the team,†Huckabay said. “They deserve to have a chance for success. All their hard work and efforts is paying off.â€