BOWLING GREEN, Mo.—The powerhouse Bowling Green Bobcats claimed the Missouri Class 2 District 7 title with a crushing 57-8 victory over the Hallsville Indians on Friday night. The Bobcats have punched their ticket to the Missouri Class 2 Quarterfinal, making the trip to Higginsville for consecutive seasons.
In 2021, the 11-0 Bobcats made the trek to Higginsville and saw their season come to an end at the hand of the Lafayette County Huskers, with a final score of 52-32. The 20-point separation left a bad taste in the mouth of Bowling Green athletes and fans. This year, Bowling Green will come into this contest looking for revenge.
The back of the Bobcat’s helmets reads “Unfinished Business.” The motto has been a staple this season as Bowling Green has been a force to reckon with on the gridiron.
“It’s the motto that we went with this year. I felt like last year we had some more football to play and we didn’t get the opportunity to because of what happened in the final game. The motto this year is we have unfinished business to take care of, and it’s going to get started Saturday, “ said Bowling Green Head Coach Joe Chinn.
Bowling Green comes into Saturday’s match 11-0, posting 762 points so far this season. According to the current state of Missouri records, Bowling Green ranks seventh in most points scored in a season. The potent Bobcat offense is driven by upperclassmen that have played with each other for the last decade.
Senior running back Marcus Starks was a standout in 2021, but this year he’s really stepped up his game. Starks has marched into the endzone 42 times this season, notching 1,957 yards in 119 rushes. Additionally, the spark plug running back has 19 receptions, good for 10 touchdowns. His offensive presence doesn’t go unnoticed, and neither does his energy. His passion for the game seems to unite his team and the fan base.
Another player sure to stick out when watching the boys in red and black is junior running back Bleyne Bryant. The Bobcats have looked to Bryant this year as he blossomed as an elite athlete within the program. Bryant’s dominant performance in the Missouri Class 2 District 7 championship was notable, and one many that has people talking. Bryant’s speed and strength allow him to navigate the playing field with ease. His numbers this season represent his athletic development. Bryant has 22 touchdowns on the season and a total of 1,074 yards.
Senior quarterback Dylan Dalton has led an offense that averaged 69 points a game, with a pass completion of 75 percent. His command of the field demonstrates experience and knowledge of the game. Dalton has 21 passing touchdowns this season and, he’s tossed just one interception. His impressive numbers carry over to his running game as well. Dalton has rushed for 502 yards for six touchdowns. The senior quarterback is skilled on both sides of the ball, making him a threat to opponents.
Bowling Green is an offensive powerhouse, though a lot of their success stems from their lockdown defense. Gunner Bryant, Harrison Hunt, Jackson Charlton, Starks, and Bryant have made it hard for other teams to even come close to finding their way into the end zone. The five have 20 sacks, with Bleyne Bryant leading the pack with eight. Bowling Green defensemen have more than done their job, on average the team allows just 7.7 points per game. In 2021, the Bobcats allowed 13.6 points per game, a number they have slashed nearly in half.
Though, the boys in red and black will have their work cut out for them this Saturday. After barely escaping a tough Richmond team in the Missouri Class 2 District 8 championship by a score of 7-6, Lafayette County will not go down without a fight. The Huskers are 11-0 on the season, much like the Bobcats, they also possess an explosive offense. Lafayette County is crossing the goal line at least seven times a game, averaging 51.8 points per matchup.
“It’s going to be a totally different feel this year. They graduated kids and so did we, making us two totally different teams. We must craft our game plan for what they have been doing this season. We have to focus on what we can take care of, which is making sure we are being physical, “ added Chinn.
One big change that will hopefully serve as an advantage for the Bobcats is lodging the night before the big game, something the team did not have in 2021.
“Last year we left the morning of, it’s not a super long bus drive, but it’s long enough. We felt like it was a lot to have to drive, and then just get off the bus and play. We talked about it as a team and wanted to try something new this year, “ Chinn noted.
The Bowling Green Momma Cats organized funds and a plan for the team to stay in Warrensburg on Friday night.
“We can’t be thankful enough for the Momma Cats buying rooms for all of us. They planned it all, found a hotel, and even booked the rooms. That’s a great group and they do a lot for our program,” added Chinn.
The team will depart Friday night after practice to head to their hotel. Community State Bank has donated funds for pizza upon arriving at the hotel and Boland Chevrolet has donated snacks for the boys to fuel up before the big game. Saturday morning, the Bobcats will have breakfast before making the thirty-minute commute to Higginsville.
Bowling Green will look to take care of their “unfinished business” and make it past Lafayette County this week to punch their ticket to the semi-final round. Eagle 102 Sports will provide coverage through MSHSAA pay-per-view, and as always you can listen for free at 102.1 on your dial, online at kjfmradio.com, or through the KJFM Radio App.