Bobcats win in final seconds

The Hot Springs County High School varsity Bobcats traveled to neutral ground in Buffalo last week, for a week zero scrimmage game against Newcastle.

With just seconds left on the clock, the Cats faced a fourth and goal from the seven. As the clock ran out, the Bobcats came away with a game winning touchdown, leaving a final score of Thermopolis 12 and Newcastle 7.

Coach Boone Bowker stated, "It was a physical game, against a very physical team that is determined to pound the ball in the ground game. Newcastle is a top ranked team, and it shows." Last year's young team now has a year of experience under their belts, and the stat sheet reflects the growth in skill and maturity.

The Cats put up 200 yards of offense, with 85 of those yards through the air. Coach Bowker said, "Quarterback, Del Dukes looked much more confident in his play and decision-making. With Cannon Boren, we have two good players at the QB position. Those two really push each other, and that makes for improvement for both of them."

Looking at the upcoming schedule, coach Bowker said, "The 2A West is one of the toughest, if not the toughest, division in the state. Every game is a battle, and winning or losing, it will be a physical season."

The Cats will host Tongue River for their home opener on Friday, September 6 with kick off at 6 p.m..

"Tongue River is a good team. They're tenacious, and we will have to be at our best to beat them. There's a bit of a rivalry with that team after last year, and we owe them a tough contest," said coach Bowker.