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New rivalries: Bobcats facing different district opponents
BY Chris O’Dell, codell@starlocalnews.com
With only four games determining playoff teams from District 10-3A, each contest has added importance this season for Celina.
The Bobcats got off to a quick start in the postseason race by earning a dominant 52-11 victory against Carrollton Ranchview last Thursday.
“It was huge,” said Bill Elliott, Celina head coach. “We still need to get better and better though. We just have to keep improving each week.”
“The defense did a great job,” Elliott said. “Ranchview has some good athletes and the defense completely shut them down.”
The Bobcats were just as good on the other side of the ball, scoring every offensive possession and not punting a single time in the game.
“Everything worked real well for us,” Elliott said. “We feel pretty good about how the game went.”
Key to Celina’s offensive success was the group of runners that accounted for more than 200 yards on the ground. Senior Willie Sims rushed for a game-high 96 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries while junior Connor Torbert added another 30 yards and one score on nine attempts.
“That’s a luxury we’ve got right now,” Elliott said. “We have six running backs that could all start for us.”
The successful ground attack allowed sophomore quarterback Nathan Elliott to have an efficient night throwing the ball. The signal caller completed 13-of-17 attempts for 145 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while chipping in with a 1-yard touchdown run during the first quarter.
“Whenever you can score every possession and don’t have to punt at all in the game, you have to be pretty pleased with your offense,” Elliott said.
Senior receiver Ben Thiel was the beneficiary of Elliott’s efficient night, catching seven passes for 102 yards and a 16-yard touchdown during a second quarter that saw Celina take a 31-3 lead.
Things figure to be more difficult tomorrow night, with Frisco Lone Star coming into Bobcat Stadium for a crucial 10-3A battle.
“[Lone Star] throws it a lot and they throw it real well,” Elliott said.
The Rangers are led by quarterback Will Campbell, who has racked up 1,274 yards and 16 touchdowns through the air while having just one pass intercepted all season.
“[Campbell] is a real talented player,” Elliott said. “He will be a definite challenge for us.”
The two teams will kick off the district battle at 7:30 p.m. with the winner taking the inside track to the 10-3A championship.
Working in Celina’s favor will be the return of junior running back Deshawn Davis, who was cleared to play on Monday.
“That’s a pick up for the whole team,” Elliott said. “[Davis] brings a spark back to practice and to games.”
The Bobcats will conclude their regular season slate with games against Aubrey and Argyle, with a bye week in between the two contests.
“It’s hard to believe there’s only three weeks left,” Elliott said.
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