BOGUE CHITTO – The No. 1-ranked Bogue Chitto Bobcats overcame a sluggish first half to blitz the Stringer Red Devils 34-28 in Region 4-1A action Friday night at Troy Smith Field. With the win, the Bobcats secured a home playoff spot for the opening round. The Bobcats scored three, fourth quarter

     “This was a great comeback victory,” said BC coach Gareth Sartin. “Several players stepped up and made huge plays offensively and defensively.

     “After a sluggish first half, our defense played great,” continued Sartin. “They only gave up one huge play, which was a touchdown, in the fourth quarter.

     “This win was huge,” added Sartin. “We are in the driver’s seat for the region. “Overall, I was very pleased with the guys. They showed a lot of heart and determination to fight through a tough, physical game to get the win.”

      The undefeated Bobcats trailed 21-7 at halftime, before mounting a huge comeback in the second half.

     Senior running back Brandon Wells sparked Bogue Chitto’s rally in the fourth quarter as he hooked up with Germie Martin for a 12-yard strike with 9:44 remaining. Wells also sprinted for a 70-yard rushing touchdown with 5:38 left. Cameron Price was one-of-two on extra points. The Bobcats trailed Stringer 28-26.

     Junior quarterback Brock Roberts managed to secure BC’s first lead late in the fourth as he threw an 67-yard touchdown strike to Martin with 3:05 remaining. Wells rushed in to put the Bobcats ahead 34-28 on the conversion.

     Bogue Chitto’s defense fueled the rally flames as they held the Red Devils offense in check in the second half and allowed only one touchdown in the fourth quarter. They also spoiled many of Stringer’s last minute attempts to escape with the win.

     In the first quarter, the Red Devils (7-2, 6-1) came out of the gates on fire. They jumped out to an early 14-0 lead.

     Junior running back Lorenzo Crosby punched in Stringer’s first touchdown as he scrambled 11 yards to paydirt with 6:12 remaining. Junior quarterback Tevin Moore increased the Devils’ lead on a 13-yard run with 1:29 left. Cade Hinton finished a perfect three-of-three on extra point attempts.

     In the second quarter, BC cashed in their first score when Roberts connected with junior receiver Dennis Rogers for a 14-yard strike to cut Stringer’s lead to 14-7.

     The Red Devils answered late in the quarter as their defense secured a BC fumble to set up a 1-yard plunge by Moore with :09 seconds left before halftime.

     BC defensive tackle Justin Quick suffered a mild concussion and whiplash when he was hit on the side of his helmet, during an onside kickoff in the first half. He was examined and released from the KDMC medical center.

     During halftime, BC and Stringer fans were entertained by the Red Devil band and saw the performance of the Bobcats’ varsity and peewee cheerleaders.

     In the second half, football fans got their money’s worth as both teams provided a classic, hard-hitting bout.

     The Bobcats came out in the third quarter hungry and were ready to answer Stringer’s challenge. They fought hard to cut into the Red Devils lead.

     Bogue Chitto scored the only points in the third, when Roberts hooked up with Wells for a 11-yard touchdown at the 5:13 mark.

     In the fourth quarter, Stringer punched in their only points of the second half. Moore broke free for a 9-yard rushing TD with 7:04 remaining.

     “This was a tough, hard fought game between two good teams,” said Stringer coach Marlon Brannan. “In the first half, we came out strong and did not allow Bogue Chitto’s offense to make the big plays.

     “In the second half, BC made some changes and it took us out of our rhythm,” continued Brannan. “They managed to get their momentum going in the fourth and made the big plays needed to capture the win.

     “Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the guys effort and I look to see them again in the playoffs.”

     Roberts was the offensive leader for BC, completing 8-of-18 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns. Martin was the top receiver with 6 catches for 134 yards and two TDs.

     Wells led the Bobcat rushing attack with 10 carries for 139 yards.

     Moore directed the Red Devils offense with 21 carries for 132 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the passing attack, completing 8-of-15 passes for 112 yards and one interception. Lorenzo Crosby paced all Stringer receivers with 4 catches for 81 yards.

     Defensively, Jeremy Blackwell had a monstrous performance, leading the Bobcats with 20 tackles. Jermaine Blackwell contributed 15 stops and intercepted a pass. Kayin Perkins and Roberts provided 10 tackles apiece. James Blackwell had 7 stops. Robert Bonds recovered a fumble.

     Bogue Chitto (9-0, 7-0) resumes action Friday. The Bobcats can claim the region crown as they prepare to host the St. Aloysius Flashes on Troy Smith Field. Stringer visits Flowood to battle the Hartfield Academy Hawks. Kickoff is 7 p.m.