Bobcat football season wraps up

The Hot Springs County High School football program capped off with a Friday night loss against Mountain View, 47-6, and a season record of 1-7.

Of Friday's game, coach Matthew McPhie stated, "We had a tough challenge with the number one team from the 2A West division. Our boys played with a great sense of pride and had great effort versus a very good football team."

Offensively, McPhie said, they were led by Milton Peden, who rushed for 70 yards and did an excellent job for the Bobcats both rushing the ball and blocking.

McPhie noted Ryan Johnson's scoring a touchdown on a three-yard pass reception from Cullen Becher, and his diving catch near the sideline on a very good pass from Becher.

Michael Harvey did a great job for the offensive line, McPhie stated, blocking well and opening up holes for the running game.

Defensively, the Bobcats were led by Noah Schwalbe, with nine tackles. Jon Harvey and Kolby George also played well for the defense adding five tackles each.

Harvey also blocked a kick and had a tackle for loss, Harvey had a total of 18 defensive points.

"Despite the score indicating otherwise, the players fought to the last whistle and competed extremely hard for 48 minutes. I believe this was a statement game from an effort standpoint about which direction this football program is heading.," McPhie stated. "I am very proud of each of the Bobcats, especially the seniors who just played their last game for us."