The Tomcat football team faced off against Leonard on Friday night, September 22nd, with both teams hungry for a win. The stakes were high, as the Tomcats came into the game with a 3-1 record, while Leonard was standing at 2-2. It was a clash that promised excitement and intensity on the field.

In the first half of the game, the Tomcats struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Despite moving the ball, they couldn't convert their drives into points, leading to their drives ending in punts. However, the Tomcat defense put up a valiant effort, holding strong for most of the snaps. Unfortunately, they had their Achilles' heel in the form of explosive plays, allowing Leonard to put up 26 points, with 13 scored in each of the first two quarters.

Halftime brought a turning point for the Tomcats. Adjustments were made, and the team came out firing on all cylinders in the third quarter. Bobby Rogers, the Tomcats' quarterback, connected with Brody Pearson for a spectacular 42-yard passing touchdown, finally putting the Tomcats on the scoreboard. The Tomcat defense held Leonard scoreless throughout the third quarter, showing their determination and resilience.

As the game entered the fourth quarter, the Tomcats continued to march down the field. Bobby Rogers punched in two rushing touchdowns, with Garrett Kelly catching a pass on a 2-point conversion, adding valuable points to the board. However, Leonard managed to score 13 more points in the fourth quarter, securing a 39-20 victory.

While the Tomcats faced a tough loss, the game against the 3A school served as a valuable test for the team. With their current record at 3-2, the Tomcats have demonstrated their potential and resilience. They will have a bye week to regroup and fine-tune their strategies before embarking on their district journey, which kicks off on October 6th in Tioga with a 7:30 pm kickoff.

Notable performances from this week's game included special teams blocking two extra points, the Tomcat defense boasting two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, and the Tomcat offense racking up 288 passing yards and 52 rushing yards for a total of 340 yards.

Bobby Rogers played a pivotal role in the game, completing 25 passes for 288 yards, with one passing touchdown and a crucial 2-point conversion. He also showcased his versatility with 15 rushes for 29 yards and two rushing touchdowns. On the defensive front, Bobby led the team with eight tackles and forced two fumbles.

Braylin Barrett was another standout player, hauling in 12 receptions for an impressive 168 yards while also contributing with two interceptions on the defensive side. Brody Pearson added two receptions for 60 yards, including a crucial touchdown, and secured one fumble recovery on defense. Ryan Dearmond, with two receptions for 28 yards, and Garrett Kelly, with four receptions for 27 yards and a 2-point conversion catch, were key contributors to the offense. Drake Franzeo contributed defensivley by recording seven tackles and one fumble recovery, while McKay Young tallied seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and one hurry. These performances highlight the Tomcats' well-rounded team effort and determination to improve as they head into their upcoming district matchups