PREVIEW: Central Clashes with Permian Seeking First District Win

SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo Central Bobcats (3-3) hit the road to Odessa on Friday, Oct. 17, to take on the Odessa Permian Panthers (5-1). After a tough loss to Midland Legacy at home last week, the Bobcats are seeking their first district win of the season.

Last week, Central entered into a shootout with Midland Legacy that lasted well into the second half before Legacy finally pulled away. Quarterback Michah Smith finished with 414 passing yards and four touchdowns, but that proved not to be enough against Legacy's high-octane offense. Even Colton Hill's 10 catches for 207 yards and two touchdowns, a stellar performance by any metric, was not enough to defeat the Rebels. The 'Cats struggled defensively in the loss.

The Bobcats will have to be much better on defense this week if they want to win. Permian is coming off a 49-7 win over Odessa High last week, and Central needs to beat Mojo if they have any chance of pursuing a district championship.

Permian has proved to be dangerous through the air. Senior Quarterback Jakob Garcia holds the reins on offense. Garcia has thrown for 1,286 yards and seven touchdowns this season and rushed for 183 yards on the ground. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, Garcia might not even be the greatest threat. Running back Gavin Black returned to the Panthers this season. So far, Black has almost 600 yards on the ground. He is fast, athletic, and tough to tackle. Central's defense will have its hands full with both of these players on Friday night.

If Central wants to win this game, they have to be near perfect. No turnovers and effecient offense should allow the Bobcats to hang with the Panthers, but it will come down to how may stops the 'Cats can pile up to snag a road victory.

Kickoff on Friday is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa.