Print
Comment
Rate
The road to state begins Friday
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
This week the Bobcats will begin their quest for the 2009 2A State Title.
That journey begins at home against Canyon State, a familiar opponent the Bobcats faced and defeated earlier this season.
It wasn't a pretty victory, since the Bobcats were able to put the game away in the last 30 seconds, capitalizing on a Robert Bernal interception. With Rayvean Moore making a clutch catch in the red zone, the Bobcats scored the night's only touchdown, to win 7-0.
In the third game of the season, the Bobcats had seven turnovers, several of which came inside the five-yard line.
But, as the Bobcats prepare for the first round of the state playoffs, there are some differences.
A major difference will be Dain Dastrup. In the first meeting, Dastrup, who has emerged as an all-around player this season, was injured. Now, the senior leads the team in tackles, and over the last two weeks has gained more than 280 rushing yards.
Coach Chris Determan said last week that there's no doubt that Dastrup's being on the field makes a big difference in how the Bobcats play.
Another difference is confidence. With a key victory over 2A East rival Willcox last week, the Bobcats know they can beat a major opponent. After coming back from two touchdowns down to win, they capitalized in a game that was sure to prepare them for what is to come in the playoffs.
Also coming alive last week was quarterback Mark Mabry. Besides rushing for two touchdowns, with a key 48-yard scamper that changed the momentum in the game against Willcox, the senior managed the Bobcats in the final drive of the game that took the clock down to 5 seconds, giving the Cowboys no chance at a comeback.
The final key this week will be Kyle Graf. The senior tailback has run wild on defenses all season, gaining more than 1,000 yards, and against a tough Willcox defense, he gained 155.
In the first meeting against Canyon State, Graf had 223 yards.
In the 2A State Powerpoint rankings, Benson moved up the ranks after the victory over Willcox. At 70 points, the Bobcats are second under first-place Northwest Christian. Canyon State is ranked 15th.
For the season, the Bobcats finished 9-1 overall, losing only to the 3A Empire Ravens. In 2A East Conference play, the Bobcats went undefeated for the second straight season, going 6-0.
"Now, we are looking at state," Graf said. "I know what we can do, and we expect nothing less than the state championship."
The 2A East Conference champions begin playoff action Friday night, starting at 7 p.m.
This week the Bobcats will begin their quest for the 2009 2A State Title.
That journey begins at home against Canyon State, a familiar opponent the Bobcats faced and defeated earlier this season.
It wasn't a pretty victory, since the Bobcats were able to put the game away in the last 30 seconds, capitalizing on a Robert Bernal interception. With Rayvean Moore making a clutch catch in the red zone, the Bobcats scored the night's only touchdown, to win 7-0.
In the third game of the season, the Bobcats had seven turnovers, several of which came inside the five-yard line.
But, as the Bobcats prepare for the first round of the state playoffs, there are some differences.
A major difference will be Dain Dastrup. In the first meeting, Dastrup, who has emerged as an all-around player this season, was injured. Now, the senior leads the team in tackles, and over the last two weeks has gained more than 280 rushing yards.
Coach Chris Determan said last week that there's no doubt that Dastrup's being on the field makes a big difference in how the Bobcats play.
Another difference is confidence. With a key victory over 2A East rival Willcox last week, the Bobcats know they can beat a major opponent. After coming back from two touchdowns down to win, they capitalized in a game that was sure to prepare them for what is to come in the playoffs.
Also coming alive last week was quarterback Mark Mabry. Besides rushing for two touchdowns, with a key 48-yard scamper that changed the momentum in the game against Willcox, the senior managed the Bobcats in the final drive of the game that took the clock down to 5 seconds, giving the Cowboys no chance at a comeback.
The final key this week will be Kyle Graf. The senior tailback has run wild on defenses all season, gaining more than 1,000 yards, and against a tough Willcox defense, he gained 155.
In the first meeting against Canyon State, Graf had 223 yards.
In the 2A State Powerpoint rankings, Benson moved up the ranks after the victory over Willcox. At 70 points, the Bobcats are second under first-place Northwest Christian. Canyon State is ranked 15th.
For the season, the Bobcats finished 9-1 overall, losing only to the 3A Empire Ravens. In 2A East Conference play, the Bobcats went undefeated for the second straight season, going 6-0.
"Now, we are looking at state," Graf said. "I know what we can do, and we expect nothing less than the state championship."
The 2A East Conference champions begin playoff action Friday night, starting at 7 p.m.
 |
||
| Rival game meets fans' expectations |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
