ORANGEFIELD —
A tough non-district schedule continues for Orangefield Friday night when Class 2A’s third-ranked team Newton visits the Bobcats.
The Bobcats (0-2) will look to bounce back from a tough 55-14 defeat at the hands of Jasper while the Eagles (2-0) bombarded Liberty 64-13.
The Bobcats will rely on a strong running game to keep the ball away from the Eagles.
Tailback Carl Wiley leads a balanced ground game with 153 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. Dustin Verrett (13-141-0), Tyron Como (20-123-0) and quarterback Eric Truncale (30-115-0) will also have their legs churning as the Bobcats are averaging 320 yards a game on offense.
The Eagles are paced by backs Kevin Shorter and Brandon Johnson. Shorter has rushed for 234 yards and four TDs on just 19 carries while Johnson has 163 yards and two TDs on 22 totes.
Newton quarterback Dale Dean has attempted just 10 passes but has completed six of them for 169 yards and two touchdowns.
The Eagles are averaging 395 yards a game and will face a Bobcat defense that is allowing 374.
Orangefield lost a hard-fought 36-28 game to East Chambers in their season opener while the Eagles downed Orangefield’s 21-3A rival Bridge City 35-12 in their opener.
The Bobcats will be home once again next week when they welcome in the Beaumont Kelly Bulldogs while the Eagles will have their open date before opening District 10-2A play on the road against the Warren Warriors.
