Hope Bobcats battle tough Nashville Scrappers team in 2010 football season opener

HOPE - As the 2010 football season kicked off Friday September 3, the Hope Bobcats was ready to battle their long time rivals Nashville Scrappers at Hammons Stadium. With a huge crowd that filled up Hammons Stadium of Bobcat and Scrapper fans, there was much anticipation to see the debut of new head coaches Jay Turley and Tim Perry of their teams take battle. The Bobcats fought hard, but a tough Scrappers team prevailed for a 45-9 victory over Hope.

 In the first quarter, Nashville kicked off to the Bobcats and had possession on the 35 yard line. Dean Cage went to work early picking up a first down at the 11:13 mark for Hope. Quarterback Taylor Wood made a complete pass to Cage for another first down at the 10:20 mark down to the 41 yard line. The Scrappers defense made their presence with an interception and the Bobcats turnover possession at the 9:11 mark.

The Bobcat defense stood in command and forced the Scrappers to punt at the 8:16 mark. On the Bobcats possession, Jay Galloway gain yardage on downs but Hope was forced to turnover back the ball to Nashville to the 33 yardline. The Bobcat defense made a spark getting a sack on the Scrappers, but Nashville capitalized and scored a touchdown with the PAT good at the 4:42 mark. Nashville led Hope, 7-0.

 Ryan Harris returned the kickoff from Nashville to the 30 yard line and Cage gain yards for the Bobcats on possessions. Harris caught a five yard pass from Wood to move the Bobcats into the Scappers territory, but was forced to punt at the 2:00 mark. The Scrappes struck again and scored a touchdown with the PAT good at the end of the quarter. Nashville led Hope, 14-0 at the close of the first quarter.

 In the second, the Bobcats struck back with a field goal made by Eric Garcia for 43 yards at the 8:38 mark. Nashville led Hope, 14-3. The Scrappers came back to reach the end zone twice and making good on both PAT's before the end of the quarter. At halftime, Nashville led Hope, 28-3.
 In the third quarter, the Scrappers had possession and reached the end zone for their fifth touchdown of the night, leading Hope 35-3. The Bobcats made strong moves from receiver Clayton Lester with a reception and Cage picking up a first down on a reverse at the 8:14 mark. Wood threw another complete pass to Lester for a first down at the 6:38 mark.

The Bobcats would be forced to punt and the Scrappers had possession at the 5:16 mark. The Scrappers made a 44 yard field goal to end the third quarter. Nashville increased their lead over Hope, 38-3.

 In the fourth, the Scrappers reached the end zone one last time. The Bobcats had sparks from Chris Thorton with an interception for a 10 yard return, Harris, Cage and Wood all picked up first downs on rushing attempts. Lester caught a touchdown pass from Wood for the Bobcats only time to reach the promise land at the 4:11 mark.

 Late in the game, Keontaye Wesley entered the battle with a strong return for the Bobcats and Vincent Love picked up a first down at quarterback for the last play of the night. Nashville went on to defeat the Bobcats, 45-9.

 In the game, the Bobcats had a total of 12 first downs, 117 yards rushing, 73 yards passing, and 190 yards of offense. Nashville had a total of 11 first downs, 111 yards rushing, 90 yards passing and 201 yards of offense.

 For rushing, Cage had 13 carries for 70 yards, Wood 10 carries for 28 yards, Galloway nine carries for 22 yards, and Harris two carries for nine yards. For Passing, Wood was 9-15 for 60 yards, Cage 1-5 for 11 yards, and Cody Washington 1-1 for two yards. For receiving, Cage 5 receptions for 36 yards, Lester 4 receptions for 25 yards and one touchdown. Harris and Washington each with a reception a piece.

 On defense, Deveonte Ross had five tackles with a sack, Thornton had four tackles with a INT, Kedrick Jones had three tackles with two sacks. Theardis Austin, and Kenyari Martin all with three tackles and DeMario Woods with a sack.

Head coach Turley knew this would be a tough game against a good Scrappers team. Turley looks to make adjustments and overcome their defeat.

 "We made too many mistakes and gave up too many points, and can't do that against a team like Nashville. The kids played well, but didn't execute well. We have to step up to the challenge and get better from here. All the kids played hard and our effort was there. We just have to do a better job next game," said Turley.

 The Bobcats will regroup and get ready to face Ashdown this Friday night at Hammons Stadium. Kickoff time is set for 7:30 p.m.