Bogue Chitto head coach Gareth Sartin expects to see an improved McLaurin team tonight when his Bobcats travel to the Tigers for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

McLaurin, coached by former Loyd Star coach Sid Wheatley, posted a 1-10 record in 2017. This is year two for Wheatley at his alma mater. The program had a combined record of 3-29-1 in the three years prior to his arrival.

Sartin knows his Bobcats will see a double wing formation from their opponent with lots of misdirection and attempts to disguise the ball carrier. Stopping that has been a focus of practice this week.

“We’ve been working on being disciplined and reading the ball carrier, when to stay at home on the backside,” said Sartin. Sartin is assisted by Chad Norton and Adam Moak.

Offensively Sartin hopes that his team is balanced. The Bobcats, like many teams, want their run game to set the table for the pass.

“We’ll be breaking in a new quarterback, Shaw King, but he’s got some guys around him in the skill spots that can help ease that transition,” said Sartin. “We’ve got a great group of kids and I know they are looking forward to getting the season started.”

Story by Cliff Furr