Central Bobcats Rally Past Midland High for First District Win

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Central Bobcats took a huge step toward the playoffs Saturday with a 34-27 win over Midland High at San Angelo Stadium.

Central trailed by 10 points in the second quarter before rallying to tie the game at 17-17 going into halftime.

The game was still tied 24-24 at the end of the third quarter, but the Bobcats’ running game took over down the stretch.

Central’s Zey Johnson scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:15 remaining to give the Bobcats a 34-24 lead, and they held off a late Midland High charge.

"It was a great team victory. That put us in great position," Central head coach Mark Smith said. "We told the guys all week that we played two really good, tough games to open district. We put it together tonight. Things that went back and forth a little bit, that's 2-6A. All of these are 48-minute fistfights. 

"I'm so proud of this team. The way we ran the ball, the way we limited them running the ball. They're a very tough offense. It was a great team victory."

Central (4-4 overall, 1-2 in District 2-6A) can likely lock up a playoff spot next week with a win at Odessa High.

It would be Central's first trip to the playoffs since 2022.

"We've got to go prepare to win the next one," Smith said. "It's on the road, and it's another opponent in this district, and they're all tough games. So we've got to go find a way to win that one."

Midland High (2-6, 1-2) hosts crosstown rival Midland Legacy next week.

Saturday's game kicked off at 2 p.m. after being postponed Friday night due to heavy rain in the area. It was the second consecutive year Central has had a district game postponed because of weather. Each time, the Bobcats came back the next day and won.

"These guys just focused and kept their mental intensity right where it needed to be, and they executed today when we needed it," Smith said.

Johnson had 21 carries for 117 yards and two short TD runs for Central, while wide receiver Gabriel Garcia had two TD catches from Micah Smith.

Garcia also had a key punt return midway through the fourth quarter that set up Central's last score.

Smith was a modest 13-of-21 passing for 113 yards, but the Bobcats leaned on their running game and defense in this game.

Central's running game churned out 257 yards, which included 62 yards from Elijah Allen and 42 from Darius Huitt.

Smith also had a critical 10-yard scramble on a fourth-and-7 late in the fourth quarter that helped Central ultimately extend its lead to 34-24.

"We were trying to pass right there, but we'll take what they give us," Micah Smith said. "It was an awesome play. The O-line had a great (pass protection). It kind of got cloudy, and I just found a lane. Luckily my receivers were down their blocking too, and we got the first down."

After falling behind 17-7, Central's defense forced two punts and a turnover on downs on Midland High's next three drives. 

The Bobcats then allowed only three points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Central kicker Caleb Holbert was also clutch, connecting on field goals from 35 and 39 yards out.

His 35-yarder came on the final play of the first half, and his kick from 39 broke a 27-27 tie with 8:22 left in the game.

Midland High's dangerous rushing attack was limited to 206 yards, led by quarterback Holt Howard's 102 yards on 11 carries. The Bulldogs popped two runs over 50 yards but were largely held in check.

Howard was 6-of-12 passing for 79 yards.

San Angelo Central 34, Midland High 27

Midland   10   7   7   3 — 27

Central   7   10   7   10 — 34

First Quarter

M - Rylan Marino 35 field goal, 6:43 remaining

C - Zey Johnson 1 run (Caleb Holbert kick), 3:35

M - Izaiah Miller 1 run (Marino kick), 2:06

Second Quarter

M - Holt Howard 22 run (Marino kick), 11:54

C - Gabriel Garcia 6 pass from Micah Smith (Holbert kick), 2:12

C - Holbert 35 field goal, :00

Third Quarter

C - Garcia 7 pass from Smith (Holbert kick), 3:53

M - Keondre Garnett 4 run (Marino kick), 1:14

Fourth Quarter

C - Holbert 39 field goal, 8:22

C - Johnson 1 run (Holbert kick), 2:15

M - Marino 37 field goal, 1:16