By E.J. Collins

Leader Correspondent

BEAUMONT—Orangefield’s run attack look strong after a rusty start in their season opener. The Bobcats began classes on Monday, due to the severe effect of Hurricane Harvey.

Orangefield’s head coach Josh Smalley got the first win of the season, as the Bobcats look to make the playoffs for the fifth straight season. It was several lead changes in the game versus the Kelly Bulldogs on their home field, but the Bobcats defense come away with a big late turnover in the fourth and went on to capture a 32-26 victory.

The game started off slow with both teams failing to score on first couple of drives, until 3 minutes left in the first quarter when Orangefield’s senior Running Back Christian Louvier ran it 9 yards for the touchdown. Last week, Christian played quarterback for the Bobcats.

“We moved him to tailback this week, thought maybe it will help us move the ball a little bit better and do some good things for us,” Smalley said.

On Kelly’s first drive after the touchdown senior Earl Robinson III made in elusive move in the middle of the field and sprinted down the sideline for the easy 77-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs attempted an onside kick after the score, in which Orangefield recovered and later scored on a drive.

Kelly’s offense responded with another big play when QB Logan Henke threw a 75-yard slant pass to WR Sherman Holland as the Bulldogs led at the half 20-17.

The Bulldogs was clicking on all cylinder to start the second half, their offense was able to pick up first downs while using half of the clock in the third quarter. The drive ended with another touchdown catch from Holland.

“ We improved from last week we cut out a lot of mistakes but we still made too many mistakes at the end that cost us to win it,” Kelly’s head coach Jason Smith stated.

With the Bulldogs winning the game 26-24 in the third, Orangefield’s defense came up with a fumble recovery after Kelly’s running back couldn’t handle a option pitch. On the next drive Louvier found the end zone on a six-yard run.

Kelly had a chance to win the game with 2:33 left on game clock before QB Logan Henke threw an interception. Orangefield’s Heston Puckett fumbled the interception on the return but it was negated by a facemask penalty on the Bulldogs.

“I think we just stood up and rose when it counted,” Smalley stated. “ We are happy with the win but we have a lot more we need to improve on.

The Kelly Bulldogs are now 0-3 after going winless last season.

The Bobcats will welcome in Diboll next week for their final non-district tilt before opening District 12-4A Division II play Oct. 13 at home against Liberty.