Bobcat Youth Fall to Nemisis Jets

The Blue Hill Bobcat youth football team fell to the Axtell Jets 20 -12 to fall to 1-1 on the season. Axtell was the only team to blemish the Bobcat's innaugural season last year and they proved to be a thorn in the paw of the Bobcats again this year. The Jets won the toss and selected to receive. The Bobcat defense proved to be too much for the Jets on their opening series and the Jets were forced to punt. However, the Bobcat return man fumbled on the punt return to give the Jets second life. The Jets managed to capitalize on the turnover to make the score 6-0. Bad went to worse for the Bobcats when they mishandled the ensuing kick-off. Again, the Jets capitalized on the turnover to make the score 12-0. The Bobcats were ineffective on their first offensive possession in the spread formation but the defense held strong. The Bobcats returned to the Wishbone on their next formation and capped a 4 play 70 yard drive with a 50 yard dash by Mitch Krueger early in the second quarter to close the gap to 12-6. Although the Bobcat defense played well in the 2nd half, the much larger Jets were able to capitalize again early in the third quarter to make the score 20-6 after converting the 2-point attempt. Still in the third quarter, the Bobcats responded with a 65 yard run by Bobcat quarterback Jayden Hamel to make the final score 20-12. Hamel led all rushers with 70 yards on 4 carries and a touchdown. Other Bobcat ball carriers were Mitch Krueger - 3 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown, James Fuller - 2 carries for 5 yards, Austin Rose - 1 carry for 5 yards, Andrew Mai - 1 carry for 5 yards, Kyl Rouse - 1 carry for 3 yards, and Joel Smith - 1 carry for 2 yards. Jacob Van Boening had two receptions for 45 yards. The Bobcat defense was led by James Fuller with 11 tackles. Other defensive stats included Mitch Krueger - 8 tackles, Austin Rose - 5 tackles and 1 sack, Jayden Hamel - 6 tackles, Alec Eiseman - 5 tackles, Kyl Rouse - 3 tackles, Ethan Sharp - 1 tackle and 1 fumble recovery, Joel Smith - 2 tackles, Andrew Mai - 2 tackles, Kody Mans - 2 tackles, Adam Krueger - 2 tackles, Alec Meyer - 1 tackle, Austin Kelley - 1 tackle. The Bobcats play next Sunday at Southern Valley in their final 11 man game. The Bobcats return home on Sunday October 11 to play 9 man football against the Kenesaw Blue Devils.