PREVIEW: Central Bobcats Look to Extend Win Streak to Three Games

"I thought we played the most complete game we've played so far this year," Smith said on Monday. "I was really proud of in particular of the way we started. They get an onside kick, and we stop them on four downs. Then there's a tipped pass interception; they get there on the field, and we stop them on four downs again. I think that really set the tone defensively for the game."

The game could have gone south in a hurry if not for the start by the much-improved Bobcat defensive unit this season. Central's offense woke up shortly after the turnover and went on to put up 49 points in the ball game.

Against a physically talented Waco team, the defense needs to show up ready to play tough football again. Waco comes into the matchup winless on the season, but the Bobcats cannot be complacent. The Lions fell to Navasota, 56-27, a week ago. 

"You know, this is a very athletic, big team that we are going to play," Smith said of Waco High. "They haven't gelled together so far this season. You look at them on video and are like 'wow, this team looks really good physically, but for whatever reason they've had some things go wrong."

The Lions are led by a physical rushing attack from their quarterback Bryant Whitaker. Whitaker hasnt thrown the ball as much as other quarterbacks around the state, but presents a clear and present danger with his legs. Whitaker has 419 rushing yards on 37 carries this season and averages 11.3 yards per carry. The defense needs to contain this young man if the Bobcats want to win.

Offensively, Bocbats' quarterback Micah Smith continues to take positive steps forward as he accumulates more experience under center. Last week, the young quarterback finished 11-19 in the passing game with 221 yards, four touchdowns, and a single interception. Wide receiver Jimmy Edwards finally made his presence known this season with three out of Smith's four touchdowns.

The key takeaway in last week's win was the Bobcats' ability to run the ball in 2nd half when the 'Cats had to burn time off the clock. Down 28-14 at the half, Belton came out hot in the 3rd quarter to pull within seven points. However, the Bobcats had an answer every time. That came in form of the 'Cats' three-pronged rushing attack between Zey Johnson, Elijah Allen, and Darius Huitt. Central's backs combined for 212 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Not only did the rushing attack score points, it took time off the clock. Central's second drive in the 3rd quarter ended up being the back breaker for Belton.

That rushing attack will be neeeded on Friday to combat Waco's offense. The 'Cats need to follow roughly the same forumla that Central had against Belton. Build a lead, then milk the clock.

Kickoff in Friday's matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Waco. 

Chadwick's Pick:

Central comes into this matchup playing its best football seen so far this season. After two frustrating weeks against two extremely talented football teams in Abilene and Amarillo High, Central seems to have taken that next step. I expect that momentum to roll into this week for the 'Cats' third straight win to cap non-district play. In fact, this win is pivotal to the Bobcats' confidence moving into the district. While Waco might be physically tough, the Bocbats have the offense on the outside to jump out early. I want to see Colton Hill and Jimmy Edwards have a big first half before Johnson, Huitt, and Allen take over in the final two quarters.

The Bobcats win this one on the road 35-21.