BOGUE CHITTO – The Bogue Chitto Bobcats survived their strongest test of the season to remain undefeated in football action Friday night on Troy Smith Field. Senior runningback James Blackwell plowed through for a 5-yard touchdown with 1:21 remaining in the fourth quarter to help his Bobcats escape with a 19-15 victory over the Hinds AHS War Dawgs.

     “This was a tough, physical battle,” said BC coach Gareth Sartin. “Hinds AHS took it to us on every snap. Offensively, we hurt ourselves with costly turnovers and penalties. We must clean up our offense and protect the ball.

     “Overall, our defense played really well,” stated Sartin. “They showed a lot of heart and grit in the fourth quarter to help us get the win.”    

     Bogue Chitto and Hind AHS fans witnessed a tough, physical bout between two heavyweights fighting for a potential Region 4-1A playoff position. At the end of the first quarter, both teams were scoreless.

     In the second quarter, the Bobcats (5-0, 3-0) managed to break up the scoreless game by lighting up the scoreboard with the first touchdown. Junior quarterback Brock Roberts connected with Germie Martin for an 18-yard strike with 10:54 remaining. Cameron Price kicked the extra point.

     The War Dawgs (3-2, 1-2) answered BC’s score late in the quarter with 5:06 left. Senior quarterback Aaron Terrell hooked up with his primary target, senior runningback, Deandre Selman for a 9-yard touchdown.

     Hind AHS was successful on their PAT kick, but after a roughing the kicker penalty, the War Dawgs elected to go for the 2-point conversion. The attempt was successful as Selman ran it in. The Dawgs led 8-7 at halftime.

     During halftime, BC’s fans received a show from the Hinds AHS band that offended many. Some said it should have been kept behind close doors.

     In the second half, football fans got their money’s worth.

     Hinds AHS managed to extend their lead over the Bobcats in the third quarter. Selman broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown sprint with 9:35 remaining. Delarren Singleton was successful on the PAT. After three quarters of action, the War Dawgs led 15-7.

     In the fourth quarter, Bogue Chitto’s offensive came alive and rose to the challenge. Blackwell inched the Bobcats closer and trimmed the lead to 15-13 with a 1-yard dive at the 7:39 mark. BC was unsuccessful on two attempts for the 2-point conversion.

     With the game on the line, the Bobcats’ defense bowed up and made a huge stop on the War Dawgs. They went for the win on fourth-and-1, but were stopped short. With no timeouts, the Bobcats marched down the field and got the winning touchdown.

     With 1:21 remaining, BC’s special teams elected to go for an onside kick They were successful on retrieving the loose ball for their offense to seal the win.

     “This was a great game,” said Hinds AHS coach Michael Fields. “Both teams fought hard until the very end. The outcome of the game basically came down to the team that can maintain the ball at the end. We had our shot to win, but Bogue Chitto made the stop necessary to get the ball back.”

     Roberts was the offensive leader for BC, completing 8 of 19 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown and 2 interceptions. He also ran for a 100 yards on 15 carries. Brandon Wells contributed 10 rushes for 65 yards and completed 1 pass for 9 yards.

     Germie Martin was the top receiver for the Bobcats with 3 catches for 54 yards. Well had 2 receptions for 26 yards.

     Selman led the Hinds AHS ground attack with 16 carries for 152 yards. Terrell helped the War Dawgs aerial strike, completing 3 of 6 passes for 23 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed 25 times for 86 yards.

     Defensively, Jeremy Blackwell led all BC tacklers with 14 stops. Zeke Perkins and Jermaine Blackwell contributed 10 tackles apiece. Kayin Perkins had 9 stops and James Blackwell added 8. Robert Bonds and Wells intercepted a pass. Theo Simmons and Matthew Black recovered a fumble.

     Teyarious Jones paced the War Dawgs with 8 tackles. Jacorey Thomas and Taedrin Warnsley intercepted a pass.

     Bogue Chitto will be in action Friday. They will host the Salem Wildcats on Troy Smith Field and celebrate their 500th game in the school’s history. Hinds AHS return home to Utica to entertained the Dexter Bulldogs.