ORANGEFIELD — After notching a big 31-21 win against Diboll to wrap up their non-district slate last week, the Orangefield Bobcats have undefeated Liberty in their sights as they will visit the Panthers Friday night to open up District 12-4A Division II play.

The Bobcats (3-3) will begin their chase to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row for Coach Josh Smalley and Company.

Meanwhile, the Panthers (6-0) have gained a lot of steam for coach Chad Taylor.

The Panthers returned seven starters on both sides of the ball from last year’s 4-7 playoff unit.

Liberty has outscored their opponents 188-77 for the season. They smothered Tarkington 56-14 last week and also have an impressive 20-14 win over Woodville. Woodville defeated Orangefield 41-7 earlier this season.

The Panthers are leading 12-4A in total offense, averaging 380.3 yards a game, 319.7 via the ground attack.

Tailback Alex Brown is approaching the 1,000-yard mark already. He has 927 yards and nine touchdowns on 119 carries.

Tyris Williams has rumbled for 466 yards and four TDs on 44 totes and KK Antoine has romped for 283 yards and three TDs on 22 carries.

Liberty likes to keep defenses honest with their passing game.

Quarterback JJ Slack has completed 28-of-49 passes for 364 yards and eight TDs with just two picks. Receiver Jarius Hill has nine catches for 151 yards and three scores.

The Panthers will face a Bobcat defense that is allowing just 255.5 yards a game.

Liberty’s other wins include Shepherd (24-22), Coldspring (25-21), Cleveland (28-6) and Anahuac (35-0).

The Bobcats will certainly to ground out the Panthers and eat some clock with their versatile Slot-T offense.

Orangefield will face a Liberty defense that has allowed a mere 146.7 yards a game, which ranks second in 12-4A.

Bobcat back Christopher McGee leads the balanced ground arsenal with 420 yards and five TDs on 56 carries.

Christian Louvier has zipped for 275 yards and five TDs on 42 totes. Wesley Frillou has 254 yards and two TDs on 35 carries while quarterback Caleb Kress has 216 yards and five TDs on 47 carries.

The Bobcats lead the all-time series 4-2. Orangefield has recorded four straight wins, including a thrilling 24-21 victory last season.

The Bobcats will have their bye week next week and will host Hamshire-Fannett Oct. 21.

 

Series history

1989: Liberty 42, OF 8

2002: Liberty 14, OF 10

2003: OF 21, Liberty 14

2009: OF 48, Liberty 27

2014: OF 42, Liberty 13

2015: OF 24, Liberty 21