Late Defensive Surge from Permian Bests the Central Bobcats

Central's offense hummed to life from the jump in this one. The Bobcats drove down inside Permian's 20-yard line on the first possession of the ball game before quarterback Micah Smith was picked off at the 10-yard line. Unfortunately, the Panthers showed their speed on the return as Permian returned the interception 90 yards to the house. Permian took a 7-0 lead early.

The Bobcats responded beautifully on the ensuing drive. Once again, the ground game proved to be tough to stop as the Bocbats drove back inside the 20-yard line. This time, Smith connected with Colton Hill for the Bobcats' first touchdown, 7-7.

Central's defense came up with a stop on the following drive. Following the punt, the offense scored again to take the first lead of the evening. Zey Johnson broke through the defense for a huge gain that set the Bobcats up at Permian's 10-yard line. Four plays later, Johnson punched the football into the end zone on 4th down to give the 'Cats the lead.

However, every time Central scored, Permian had an answer. A quick touchdown on a long pass tied the game back up at 14-14 before Central would score again. Jimmy Edwards hauled in a deep pass with one hand and took the ball more than 50 yards to the house. Permian would turn around and connect on two different deep balls to set up a short fade in the end zone for a touchdown. Locked at 21-21, Smith hit Edwards again for a huge gain to set Central up at the 11-yard line with just seconds to go.

Central missed a golden opportunity to take the lead into the half as time expired. The Bobcats kicked a field goal but a illegal formation penalty forced Central to reattempt the kick from further back. The 'Cats missed the second attempt and both teams went into the locker rooms tied at the half, 21-21.

Permian came out hot in the 2nd half with a solid touchdown drive. The 'Cats had an opportunity to get off the field on a 3rd and long, but Permian proved up to the task. A touchdown put Mojo ahead 28-21.

The 'Cats failed to get into the end zone later in the 4th quarter but kicked a field goal to pull within four points. Next, a defensive stop gave Central an opportunity to take the lead. Elijah Allen hit a 39-yard run to put the Bobcats in excellent scoring position before Zey Johnson broke a few tackles to score what looked like a highlight-reel touchdown. However, a holding call pushed the 'Cats back. Central failed to get into the end zone and had to settle for three points. The Bobcats trailed 28-27 midway through the 4th quarter.

Permian would go on to score the game-sealing touchdown on the ensuing drive. The Bobcats had two more opportunities to score before the end of the game. An excellent toe-tap interception by Permian sealed the Bobcats' first attempt before a penalty put the final nail in the coffin on the next series with the 'Cats on defense.

Central fell 35-27.

Next up, Central hosts the Midland High Bulldogs at San Angelo Stadium on October 24. Kickoff in that matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.