ORANGEFIELD — After a sizzling 42-26 season-opening win at home against the Buna Cougars last week, the Orangefield Bobcats will be welcoming in some “angry” Kirbyville Wildcats this week.

The Wildcats (0-1), who were ranked No. 4 in Class 3A Division I , rallied to tie Bridge City 21-21 in the fourth quarter last week only to see the Cardinals boot a game-winning field to absorb a 24-21 loss.

Kirbyville returns 16 starters, nine on offense, from last season’s 11-2 squad.

The Bobcats (1-0) used their vaunted running attack well last week and their young offensive line held up strong in what was a first varsity start for several of the “big guys.”

Orangefield piled up 351 yards against the Cougars, all of them coming via the ground.

Quarterback Matthew Watkins had 101 yards on just 10 carries and scored two touchdowns. Christopher McGee zipped for 94 yards on nine carries. Triston McGee punched his way into the end zone twice and Austin Moore also scored while Wesley Frillou bolted for a 47-yard TD romp.

The Bobcat defense limited Buna to 261 yards, 194 of it coming on the ground.

The Wildcats moved the ball well against the Cardinals, piling up 386 yards, but were stone-walled at the end of some nice drives and they gave up a 100-yard interception return for a score.

Kirbyville quarterback Jackson Gore completed 11-of-23 passes for 172 yards. Devin Taylor and Tayon Cooper combined for eight catches for 140 yards.

The Wildcats suffered a blow when tailback Ty Dennis went down with a neck stinger and possible concussion after he had 102 yards on 13 carries as his status is uncertain for this week. Fellow running back Patrick Beatty did have 81 yards on 20 carries and had two TDs.

The Kirbyville defense allowed the Cardinals 332 total yards, 286 of it coming in rushing yards.

The Wildcats defeated the Bobcats 41-27 in Kirbyville a season ago. The Wildcats piled up 452 yards as Dennis exploded for 191 yards on 22 carries. The Bobcats moved the ball well also, finishing with 340 ground yards as Colby Choate zipped for 169 yards on just 14 caries whiloe Watkins had 93 yards on nine carries.

The Bobcats will venture to Beaumont Kelly next week.