SAN ANGELO – The “Eye of the Tiger” idiom refers to “focused, an intense look, fierce, strength, not giving up in the face of adversity, and the ability to overcome challenges.”
The San Angelo Central High School Bobcats’ intense, fierce, “Eye of the Tiger” strengths were full blown displayed when it became the hunter, and its opponent, the Belton Tigers became the prey with a 33-8 devouring in a non-district, home win at San Angelo Stadium on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The "Angry Orange” defense set the tone early when Tiger’s quarterback Will Shephard overthrew a pass to receiver, Gavin Ross that was intercepted by Cats’ defensive back, Gabriel Rodriguez at Belton’s 30-yard line. Rodriguez returned it to the 3-yard line.
On second and goal from the 4-yard line, receiver Jimmy Edwards goes in motion from left to right, takes the pitch from quarterback, Christian English on a jet sweep to score a touchdown. Central leads 7-0 early in the first quarter.
After Belton goes three and out, Central scores on its second series when the offensive line bullies the Tigers front seven for English to power his way into the endzone to up the lead to 13-0 (PAT no good) with 5:56 left before the half. On this drive, English got the Cats in scoring range when he juked, and outran the secondary for a 35-yard gain to set Central up with a first and goal at the seven.
Prior to the Central High School Bobcats' Friday, September 20, 2024 game, it was designated Senior Night.
The Tigers’ series of offensive woes continued due to the Cats’ stone-walled defense that kept Belton on their side of the field. How dominant was the “Sic em” Cats defense? The defensive unit only allowed one first down in the first half and kept the Tigers out of the endzone for three quarters. For good measure, the secondary was led in interceptions by Gabriel Rodriguez and Zayden Norton with one apiece.
The Bobcats’ third offensive series started with a pass from English to Edwards who slid inside the defensive back in between the seam for a 25-yard catch and run to the Tigers’ 39. When Central’s drive stalled, kicker Evan Vaughn banged in a 28-yard field goal for a 16-0 first quarter lead.
In the second quarter, the English to Edwards connection ends with a 29-yard touchdown catch to put Central ahead, 23-0. After Norton’s INT stopped a Tigers’ drive, Vaughn kicked another field goal, a 35-yarder to put Central ahead of Belton, 26-0 at the half.
In the third quarter, CHS quarterback, English led the offense on a 90-play drive that ate up almost nine minutes off the clock and ice the game. On first and goal from the 2-yard line, Christian fakes right at the line of scrimmage then bounces out to the left side to easily score. CHS leads 33-0 with :43 seconds left in the third quarter.
Later after a 33-0 Bobcat 4th -quarter lead, the Tigers finally get on the scoreboard when Shepard scored from 1-yard out to make it 33-6. Belton went for a 2-point conversion which ended up as the final score 33-8.
The Bobcats (2-1 non-district) travel to Waco High School to face the Lions (2-2). The Lions lost to the Navasota Rattlers, 35-12. The Bobcats vs. Lions match-up kicks-off from Waco Sports Complex Stadium at 7 p.m.
