By E.J. Collins
Special to The News

BEAUMONT — Orangefield’s run attack looked strong after a rusty start in the season opener, and the Bobcats held on to defeat Kelly 32-26 on Friday.

Orangefield coach Josh Smalley got his first win of the season, as he looks to make the playoffs for the fifth straight season. It was several lead changes in the game versus the Bulldogs on their home field, but the Bobcats defense come away with a late turnover in the fourth.

The game started off slow with both teams failing to score on first couple of drives, until 3 minutes left in the first quarter when Orangefield senior running back Christian Louvier ran it 9 yards for the touchdown. Last week, Louvier played quarterback.

On Kelly’s first drive after the touchdown, senior Earl Robinson III made an elusive move in the middle of the field and sprinted down the sideline for the easy 77-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs attempted an onside kick after the score, which Orangefield (1-1) recovered, and later scored on drive.

Kelly’s offense responds with another big play when QB Logan Henke throws a 75-yard slant pass to WR Sherman Holland. Score at the half was 20-17 Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were clicking on all cylinders to start the second half. Their offense was able to pick up first downs while using half of the clock in the third quarter. The drive ended with another touchdown catch from Holland.

With the Bulldogs leading 26-24 in the third, Orangefield’s defense came up with a fumble recovery after Kelly’s running back can’t handle the option pitch. Louvier scored on a 6-yard run the next play.

Kelly had a chance to win the game with 2:33 left before Henke threw an interception. Orangefield’s Heston Puckett fumbled the interception on the return, but it was negated by a facemask penalty on the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs are now 0-3 after going winless last season.

WOS 34, SILSBEE 17
SILSBEE — The West Orange-Stark Mustangs beat the Silsbee Tigers 34-17 in a close fought game in Silsbee Friday night as the two-time defending Class 4A Division II state champion Mustangs ran their state-best winning streak to a whopping 30 games in front of Silsbee’s Homecoming crowd.

The Mustangs (3-0) took care of business on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball against the talented Tigers (1-2)
Mustang tailback Kavyn Cooper would rush for 208 yards on 15 rushes on the night. He was a big reason the Mustangs were able to eat the clock and secure their victory.

The Mustangs racked up 441 yards of total offense. Quarterback Chaka Watson rushed for 95 yards and a couple scores.
— Orange Leader

JASPER 46, BRIDGE CITY 14
JASPER — The Jasper Bulldogs downed the Bridge City Cardinals 46-14 in non-district action at Bulldog Stadium Friday night.

The Bulldogs (2-2) jumped on the Cardinals (0-3) with a fast start, building up a 26-0 edge in the game’s first 20 minutes.
The Cardinals would get on the board with a Max Baker 22-yard touchdown gallop to make it 26-7.

Bridge City scored its second touchdown of the night when Caleb Honeycutt bolted for a late 22-yard score.
— Orange Leader