The Ben Bolt-Palito Blano Badgers and Refugio Bobcats will square off in the first round of the 2023 UIL 2A D1 Texas State Football Championships on Thursday, November 9th at 7:00pm ET at Alice Memorial Stadium in Alice, Texas.
The Badgers enter the playoffs with a 5-5 record, while the Bobcats boast a 9-1 record. Ben Bolt-Palito Blano is ranked 1120th in the state, while Refugio is ranked 208th. In their division, Ben Bolt-Palito Blano is ranked 98th, while Refugio is ranked 2nd.
The Badgers average 24.3 points per game, while the Bobcats average 42.7 points per game.
The two teams have never met before.
What it is: Texas High School Football
Matchup: Ben Bolt-Palito Blano Badgers vs. Refugio Bobcats
Time: Thursday Nov 09, 2023, 7:00pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 UIL 2A D1 Texas State Football Championships
Round: First Round
Locations: Alice Memorial Stadium, Alice, TX
Live stream: Watch here
The Refugio Bobcats are the clear favorites in this matchup. They have a better record, they are ranked higher in the state and their division, and they score more points per game.
However, the Ben Bolt-Palito Blano Badgers should not be overlooked. They have a good defense and they have shown the ability to play tough against good teams.
The key to the game for the Badgers will be to slow down the Bobcats’ high-powered offense. If they can do that, they will have a chance to win.
The Bobcats are led by quarterback Jake Smith, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Smith also has a stable of running backs, led by John Jones, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Badgers are led by quarterback Billy Bob Taylor, who has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Taylor also has a good running back in Jimmy Dean, who has rushed for over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Badgers’ defense will be led by linebacker Billy Bob Thornton, who has over 100 tackles this season. The Bobcats’ defense will be led by safety Jake Smith, who has over 50 tackles and five interceptions this season.
Prediction:
The Refugio Bobcats are the clear favorites in this matchup, but the Ben Bolt-Palito Blano Badgers should not be overlooked. The Badgers are a good team that has shown the ability to play tough against good teams. However, the Bobcats are too talented and too experienced for the Badgers to overcome.
Final Prediction: Refugio Bobcats 49, Ben Bolt-Palito Blano Badgers 14
