Bobcats' Special Team Miscues Hand Midland High 10-Point Lead at the Break

SAN ANGELO, TX — Special teams miscues put the Central Bobcats behind the ball against the Midland High Bulldogs on Friday night.

A failed punt that led to a fumble returned for a touchdown and a blocked extra point handed the Bulldogs nine free points in the first quarter as the Bobcats trail 30-20 at the half.

Midland High struck first in the first quarter. A long touchdown pass from the Bulldogs' Holt Howard put Midland High on the board, 7-0.

Central had their first miscue on the following drive. After failing to convert on 4th down, rain caused a bad snap to the punter, who mishandled it and put it on the turf. The Bulldogs descended and scooped up the loose football and returned it for a touchdown. Midland High led 14-0 midway through the 1st.

Central finally clawed its way onto the board early in the 2nd quarter. Micah Smith scambled out of pressure and made a dive for the pylon for the Bobcats' first score. However, the extra point was then blocked. The Bulldogs scooped it up and returned it 90 yards to the house for two points. Midland High led 16-6 early in the 2nd quarter.

Howard continued to be a problem on the ground, breaking multiple big runs that led to two more Bulldog touchdowns before the break.

Central continued to fight, scoring with five minutes to play in the half on a 26-yard Zey Johnson touchdown run. Finally, Central executed an excellent 2-minute drill to put up one more touchdown before the half. Smith connected with Gavin Johnson on a 24-yard touchdown with six seconds to play.

Central headed to the locker room, down 30-20 at the half.