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Opp celebrated
2009 Victory over Straughn
It was the first time e ver
and the Bobcats enjoyed the moment, winning 20-7 before a jubilant
crowd inside Channel-Lee Stadium.
Both teams were coming off hard region losses in 2009 - Straughn was
embarrassed in Mobile at Bayside Academy, 0-27. Opp lost a
heartbreaker to St. James giving up a last second touchdown for a
17-20 defeat.
A year earlier - 2008 - the Bobcats held a
brief lead over the Tigers in Straughn before failing to the Ryne
Taylor led Tigers.
That season closely resembles this year. Straughn was 4-0,
while the Bobcats were 2-2. The same as
this season. Straughn was led by an experienced and dominating
senior QB - same as this season for the Tigers with Josh Dewrell.
In 2008, Opp was also struggling with the loss of their
head coach Jack Whigham who was rushed to the hospital following
their emotional loss to St. James and was unable to assist with the
team's early preparation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This season expect a hard hitting defensive battle with likely
another exciting finish for Coach Trent Taylor's Tigers. Last
week Straughn scored in the final minute to secure a 22-15 win over
Hillcrest-Evergreen - limiting the Tigers to nearly half of their
per game scoring average.
Opp's defense is allowing only 10 points per game. If you take
away a late touchdown by Elba in week one's loss (6-19) the Bobcats
are down to allowing a touchdown a game.
A better measure of Opp's Defense could be their performance against
3A Daleville (3-1; 2-1). The region 2 foe only managed 2
points against the Bobcats in week 2, but since have scored 43 and
42 respectfully. Elba has been averaging 33 points a game
since their week one battle with Opp.
Can the Bobcats win two in a row?
It would be an upset for Opp to defeat 4A #4 Straughn in
week 5. However the Tigers are only a 2 point
favorite against the Bobcats. That's a remarkable computer
spread considering the Tigers are playing at home and only their
second of the season.
Straughn's focus could be resemblance of last year's blow-out loss
to Bayside the week before. An emotional come-from-behind win
over a tough and talent loaded Hillcrest squad. Opp could jump
to an early lead, but the Tigers have rallied from behind in their
last three contest. Only Geneva did the Tigers lead from
beginning to end.
Against St. James the Tigers fought until the end, as with Alabama
Christian. How much fortune does this team have?
Until it runs out...
While a close game - the Tigers will pull out another exciting
finish.
Straughn scores in 2008 victory over Opp
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