Maclay swamps Bobcats 62-0

This past Friday night found the Bobcats of Robert F. Munroe on the bottom end of a 62-0 thumping by the Maclay Marauders. 

The game was a tale of two seasons: One team, experienced and senior-laden (Maclay), won their sixth game in a row and remained atop of their conference; the other, injury-riddled and trying desperately to grow up (RFM), lost their fourth straight game and limped into the bye-week. 

Still, the visitors from Mt. Pleasant started the game on a good note, kicking off to the Marauders and forcing a punt. RFM converted a first down and looked to have some momentum, but a sack and a fumble gave the ball back to Maclay. The Bobcat defense rose to the occasion and held the Marauders to a field goal attempt; however, the attempt turned out to be a well-disguised fake and holder Trip Transou raced around left end for the game’s first score and 7-0 lead.

The game went downhill for the Bobcats from that point onward, as the Marauders would score eight more times during the course of the game, three scores coming from speedy running back Chase Shaum. Offensively, RFM struggled with consistency as they turned the ball over seven times (three interceptions, two fumbles, and two blocked punts) and had several dropped passes. Adding to the misery was the loss of leading receiver Bo Bailey and two-way lineman Joey Sloan to injuries. The bright spots for the Bobcats were few, but eighth-grade receiver Andrew Higdon and 10th-grade quarterback Will Harris gained valuable experience as both played the entire game offensively. Senior J.D. Jones, who plays a variety of positions, had a long run of 15 yards from his fullback position and, along with fellow seniors Zach Helms and Vince Fioramanti, played a spirited game on the defensive side of the ball.

The Bobcats will have an extra week to get healthy and work on their offensive and defensive consistency. The season finale will be played on the road against the Royals of Jay High School, who stand at three wins and five losses. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Friday, Nov. 9.