Offensive struggles led to a scoreless Smyer Bobcats, falling 57-0 against Hale Center Owls.
The Bobcats struggled to generate positive momentum throughout the game, finishing with 59 total yards: 68 rushing yards and negative nine passing yards.
Not being able to execute the screen game led to the negative yards, and Smyer’s head coach Scott Funke will be emphasizing proper technique while running those plays.
“Trying to get north and south, trying to get yards,” Funke said. “How to break tackles off hips, how to set guys up to change direction on them, get their hips turned and allow your hips to be squared.”
The running game for the Bobcats was able to put out some positive yards as Alex Mattox led Smyer’s rushing attack with 47 yards on 10 carries, while Cash Pastusek Jr. added 18 yards on six carries.
Mattox’s rushing efforts were not enough to hold off Hale Center’s early 32-0 lead in the first quarter. The Owls added 19 points in the second half, increasing the lead to 51-0. The Bobcats were scoreless in each quarter.
The loss drops Smyer to 0-4 on the season as the Bobcats continue to search for their first win.
Ending the game with one penalty, Funke sees improvement in his team, building those “good things” to be successful.
The Bobcats will start their three-game road trip versus Crosbyton at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25.