Cats pluck the Eagles at Homecoming, 38-14

The Cats worked hard to keep Mitchell County out of the end zone most of the night, only allowing two touchdowns after the half. The final tally was 38-14, putting Early County 3-3 in region. The Early County Bobcats picked up a huge region win on Homecoming Friday night, defeating the Mitchell County Eagles 38-14. The Bobcats are now 5-4 overall and 3-3 in region 1-AA play.

Early built a 38-0 halftime lead behind a strong running attack and an aggressive defense. The Bobcats scored the first time they had the football. Starting at the 46 yard line, Camry Flowers put Early in scoring position with a 30 yard run on the first play from scrimmage following an Eagle offsides penalty. Darius Mitchell scored from four yards out five plays later and Ricardo Castro kicked the extra point to give the Bobcats a 7-0 lead at the 8:33 mark of the opening period.

The kicking game and the defense provided the next points for Early County. After Jonathan Taylor pinned the Eagles back at their own one yard line with a punt, Mitchell fumbled in their own end zone for a safety to make the score 9-0 with 3:43 left to play in the first quarter.

Ladonis Bryant returned the free kick back to the Eagle’s 16 yard line and Mitchell scored from 11 yards out three plays later to make the score 15-0. T.J. Allen then hit Mitchell with the two point conversion pass to make the score 17-0 with 2:05 left to play in the first quarter.

The Bobcat defense scored again at the 7:30 mark of the second period. Bryant recovered an Eagle fumble in the end zone and Castro booted the extra point to make the score 24-0. Early quickly extended their lead. After holding Mitchell County on downs at their own 32 yard line, Allen hit J.J. McCray with a screen pass and the big junior raced to the Eagle five yard line. He scored on the next play and Castro’s point after attempt was good to make the score 31-0 with 6:05 left to play in the half.

Bryant picked off an Eagle pass to give the Bobcats excellent field position at the Mitchell County 38 yard line the next time the visitors had the ball. After a holding call pushed the Bobcats back to the 49 yard line, Bryant ripped off a 40 yard run to the Eagle nine yard line. Camry Flowers scored from three yards out two plays later and Castro kicked his final extra point of the night to give Early County a 38-0 lead at intermission.

The Bobcat coaches cleared their bench in the second half and the Eagles took advantage, scoring on a 49 yard fumble recovery and a 39 yard touchdown pass in the final two quarters of play.

Early County travels to Adel this Friday to take on Cook High School. The winner will claim the fourth and final playoff spot in region 1-AA. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.