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Javis Gibson celebrates a tackle for a loss for the Bobcats. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)

Tyler Pruden scored on a 60 yard interception return to extend the Bobcat’s lead in the first quarter. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)

Alex-Michael Roberts dashes towards a first down on Bogue Chitto’s opening drive. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)

BOGUE CHITTO — Jubilant music from the Bogue Chitto band capped off a Bobcat 34-20 victory over Ethel Friday night. Head Coach BJ Smithhart grinned as he and his players basked in their win. 

From the start, Bogue Chitto seemed to be in control. Sophomore quarterback Alex-Michael Roberts helped march the team 60 yards down the field and picked up a crucial first down to extend the drive. 

Running back Jayden Poole capitalized by scoring on a three yard rushing touchdown. Bogue Chitto was up 7-0 with 6:31 in the first quarter. Roberts said he has grown as a quarterback over the summer by getting stronger and gaining confidence. He would continue to show his confidence by using his legs to pick up key yards when needed. 

Ethel started to drive down the field when junior Tyler Pruden stepped in front of a pass and raced 60 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. Bogue Chitto made the extra-point and led 14-0 with 3:57 in the first quarter. 

“I’m proud of him, he had a good interception on the sideline,” Roberts said. “We had control of the whole game.”

Poole would get the ball back again for Bogue Chitto after he intercepted a pass and returned it to the 35 of Ethel. Before the interception, Poole and the Ethel bench were jawing back and forth. 

Senior running back Isaiah Collins would finish off the drive with a short yard rush. Bogue Chitto’s extra point attempt was no good and they led 20-0 with 5:28 left in the second quarter. 

Bogue Chitto’s stingy defense got the ball back for the offense one more time before halftime. Roberts found Noah Magee on a 20 yard pass for a touchdown over the middle of the field. Magee celebrated by shaking hands with one of the homecoming maid’s escorts. Bogue Chitto led 27-0 with 0:55 left in the second quarter. 

Ethel did get on the board in the first half. The Tigers got down the field quickly and scored on a 25 yard touchdown pass to a wide open receiver as time expired. Bogue Chitto led 27-6 at halftime. 

It would take until the two minute mark for Bogue Chitto to score in the third quarter. Sophomore Aaden Kirkland hauled in a 15 yard touchdown pass from Roberts to make it 34-6. 

Ethel would answer with a 17 yard touchdown pass in the 4th quarter to make it 34-12. Bogue Chitto fumbled a punt, which some coaches argued was muffed, and Ethel picked up the ball and went 50 yards for a touchdown. Smithhart and other coaches expressed thoughts that the play should have been called dead as the return team did not have control of the ball when it was fumbled and thus could not have been advanced. 

Bogue Chitto still led 34-20 with 2:16 in the fourth quarter. Roberts kneeled out the last seconds of the game and celebrated with his team. It appeared the Bobcats were getting settled into Smithhart’s system. 

“It felt good to win. We bounced back after losing to Enterprise. We are playing as a team,” Roberts said. “Our key to victory was playing as a team. I’m loving playing for Smithhart. He is a great coach and leader. He changed things a little bit but he has been a good coach and mentor.”

One thing Roberts likes about Smithhart is the change from the option heavy playbook to a balanced shotgun and pistol formation scheme.

Bogue Chitto’s offense looked to click on all cylinders in passing and running the football. The offensive line won the battle at the line of scrimmage and Roberts used his legs to create plays. 

He said his favorite target to throw to is Magee, who stands out as a big frame. 

“He can just get up and get the ball every time I throw it to him,” Roberts said. “We have a good connection. Even though he is a senior and older than me, we have a good connection.” 

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