Bobcats seeking back to back championships

Bobcats seeking back to back championships

By MELISSA BURNSED 

Baker County football action is on fire at both the high school and at the middle school. While the Wildcats are vying for a playoff spot, Coach George McDuffie’s middle school Bobcats are set to play for the North Florida Crown Conference Championship this coming week.

The Bobcats will be seeking to retain the title that they won last season, as they try to keep their 7 and 0 unbeaten streak alive.

"Our offense and defense has responded well to the coaching staff, who have worked hard to utilize what players we have. We have been doing the best we could with what we have," said Coach Mac. The Bobcats head coach credited assistant coaches Rock Rhoden, Chris Chisholm, David Manning and Andy Rios for much of his team’s success.

In an interview this weekend, he expressed some concern about how his team will fair after losing some players following last Friday’s release of report cards. The Bobcats roster consists of 27 players, who have battled hard over Coach McDuffies’ three year tenure to amass an impressive 24 and 3 overall record.

"The kids who are still here have been dedicated to this program since we started off season weight training and I know they will give their all in the game. We have been blessed so far, and I know that we will do our best no matter what challenges we face."

The Bobcats will be facing stiff competition in their quest for a second straight title, as they travel to Madison County to face the Central School Broncos at Boot Hill Stadium. Coach Mike Ragan’s team also has a perfect record this year.

The Madison County squad is loaded with 58 players ranging in size from 75 pounds to 275 pounds. Included on their roster are 37 eighth graders. Managing so many players could be difficult, but Coach Ragans and his staff have been committed to playing as many players as possible in each game. "It is one of our top goals, and is why we usually don’t run up big scores. It makes everybody happy when the kids all get to play."

"Our team has size, speed and some good athletes. The kids have worked hard to earn this and they deserve it," said Coach Ragan. He cited the heavy influence of the Madison County High School Cowboy Coaches for part of his teams success.

"We’re tight with the high school coaches and they are helping us tremendously."

The big championship game gets underway at 7pm, Tuesday night.