Central Bobcats Clinch Playoff Berth in Win Over Odessa High

ODESSA, TX — The Central Bobcats (4-4) traveled to Odessa on Friday to play a District 2-6A matchup against the Odessa High Broncos (0-8). After claiming their first district win last weekend, the ‘Cats were hungry for more. Central dominated early, but some bone-headed penalties kept the Bronchos in it. Central kept pushing in the 2nd half to pull away slowly. Relentless effort earned the Bobcats their second district win, 35-32.

After surrendering a touchdown on Odessa High’s first drive, a blocked extra point left the score at 6-0 early. Central immediately responded on the ‘Cats' first offensive possession. Elijah Allen took a pitch to the outside before he cut back towards the middle and outran all defenders to the house. The Bobcats took the lead, 7-6, midway through the first quarter.

The Bobcats’ defense delivered on the next possession. A bad snap put the ball on the turf and Central’s Brian Sandoval jumped on the loose football. It was the first of two Central takeaways and two Sandoval recoveries in the first half. The ‘Cats took advantage a few plays later when Darius Huitt punched the ball into the end zone from 5 yards out.

Later in the 2nd quarter, the Bobcats forced a punt. Colton Hill fielded the punt near the Bobcats’ 45-yard line and returned it for a 55-yard touchdown. Central looked like it would blow this ball game open, but a dumb personal foul penalty kept the ensuing Odessa drive alive. The Bronchos would score to stay in the ball game.

Central had one final opportunity to score before the half. After beginning the drive from Central’s 10-yard line, the ‘Cats steadily drove the football down the field. However, another personal foul after a play was over completely killed the drive. Central settled for a field goal that was missed. In fact, Odessa returned the missed field goal to midfield.

The Bronchos would score again with 22 seconds remaining in the half.

Up by one point at the start of the 3rd quarter, Central's offense went back to work. A solid kick return and subsequent penalty on Odessa High set the Bobcats up with great field position. Several plays later, Micah Smith connected with Jimmy Edwards for a touchdown. Central increased its lead back to eight points, 28-20.

Odessa High refused to go away in the final two quarters. After Central forced a turnover with their backs against the wall, the offense failed to get a first down. Following a punt, Central's defense then forced a turnover on downs. Again, Odessa High's defense stepped up. Smith threw an interception, and the Bronchos took over at the Bobcats' 17-yard line. Odessa scored, but failed the 2-point conversion.

Up 28-26, Central's offense finally found its rhythm again. A healthy combination of Elijah Allen, Zey Joahnson, and Darius Huitt pushed the Cats down the field. Johnson found the end zone to put the Bobcats up by nine points, 35-26, midway through the fourth quarter.

Odessa High responded with another touchdown. On 4th and goal, Central forced a last second throw as the quarterback was being sacked. The errant side arm connected and Odessa High schored. Another failed 2-point conversion left the Bobcats up by three points, 35-32 with just over four minutes to play.

Central had to drain the clock if they wanted to decide when this game would end. Johnson delivered once again. He broke an outside run past the defense and pushed the ball past midfield. He secured another first down as the Bobcats moved inside Odessa High's 30-yard line. With 47 seconds on the clock, Central faced a 4th down and four yards to go. Instead of attempting a field goal, the 'Cats drew Odessa High offside on a hard count. The referees called offside, and the Bobcats gained the first down. Two kneel-downs later, the 'Cats claimed victory, 35-32.

With the victory, the Bobcats clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Next up, Central tries to improve its playoff seeding at home against a Frenship team that fell to Odessa Permian, 38-25, on Friday night. Kickoff in that matchup is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, at San Angelo Stadium at 7 p.m.