by CCHS Coaching Staff

-WESTCLIFFE, Colo.
The CCHS Football team traveled to Elbert Friday night for a non-conference game and the opener to the 2018 season. After a scoreless first half, the Bobcats broke out in the second half to pull out a 20-6 victory.
The first half was a defensive battle as both teams struggled to get their offenses going. “We had very little information on Elbert going into the game,” noted head coach Troy Bomgardner. “So it was adjust on the run and try to figure out their defense and their best players and it took our kids a while but we started to roll in the second half.”
Special teams played a big part in the victory as the Cats continually kept the Bulldogs pinned deep in their own territory with punts by Adam Sapp and great snaps by Jake Morris. Defense played a solid game led by linebackers Cole Budds with 20 tackles and Ray Perez with 18 tackles. Sapp added 16 tackles from his defensive line position.
After regrouping at half-time, the Bobcats came out and took the 2nd half kickoff and marched down the field for a score. “Our offensive line and tight ends came out in the second half and really dominated,” said Bomgardner. “Patrick Post and Michael Stanley played well at tight end and Adam Sapp was an anchor at center for us. And both Cole and Ray pounded out some tough yards in the 2nd half.”
Perez got the 1st score on a 5 yard run. The point after try was unsuccessful and CCHS led 6-0 with 6 minutes left in 3rd quarter. However, Elbert wasn’t about to quit as they came back with a drive of their own, taking the rest of the 3rd quarter and scoring a few minutes into the 4th quarter. The Bobcats held them on their point after and it was 6-6 with 10 minutes left in the game.
The Cats couldn’t score on the next drive but a great punt and coverage left the Bulldogs inside their 10 yard line. After a tough defensive stand, the Cats set up to receive the punt, however Tyler Camper broke through and got a hand on the punt to force it to go a few yards and Perez picked it up for a short return and the Cats were looking at 1st and goal and a chance for a go ahead TD. They did just that with a 3 yard score by Perez. The point after was no good and the Cats led 12-6.
The Bobcat defense came up with a big turnover on the next series when Camper forced a fumble and Perez dove on it. With the momentum the offense ground out another score with senior QB Chad Lewenkamp scoring on a 5 yard run. Lewenkamp added a toss to Perez for the 2 point conversion and it was 20-6 with a few minutes remaining.
Leading the Bobcats offensively was ……will send later today….
This Friday night the Bobcats have their home opener against Las Animas. It will be the first game ever under the LIGHTS at Henrich Field and Mile and a Half High Stadium! Game time will be 7 p.m. and the Custer County community is encouraged to come out to support the Bobcats. The Bobcat Volleyball team will play at 4 p.m. in the East gym followed by the football game at 7 p.m.