Bears excited for heavy test

[WO-S 89]

Gabriel Pruett

The Orange Leader

LITTLE CYPRESS — Getting tested and playing high caliber teams is exactly what Todd Moody wanted in this season’s non-district schedule.

First on the list was Conroe Caney Creek.

A team known for speed and toughness.

Check the Panthers off the list and move on.

This week the Battlin’ Bears get another strong test when the West Orange-Stark Mustangs come to visit. Game time for the Orange Bowl is set for 7:30 p.m. at Battlin’ Bear Stadium.

Another test and more preparation into what Moody and the Bears (0-1) hope will be a successful year.

“The bottom line is we want to get into district and make the playoffs,†Moody said. “ Of course we want to win this Friday but more importantly I want our team to keep getting better. The kids understand that.â€

One area the Bears will look to correct will be in the rush defense.

LC-M allowed 328 yards on the ground to Caney Creek, 180 coming from Panthers quarterback Joe Simmons.

“We played a team with a good quarterback last week,†Moody added. “There is no need to panic here. You look for a game with a tough team and speed, we faced a team last week that had both at the same time.â€

The Mustangs (1-0) are coming off an impressive 22-14 comeback win over the Dayton Broncos.

Mustangs junior quarterback Ortavious Hypolite rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns against Dayton as WO-S ran for 196 yards on the night.

LC-M’s offense put up 285 yards against Caney Creek with 200 coming on the ground.

Senior running back Kendrex Salter rushed for 158 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown before leaving the game with a leg injury.

Moody said Salter is a “moment-to-moment†decision to play against WO-S.

“He is getting better with each day,†Moody said.

The Bears will also look to hold on to the football a little better against the Mustangs after losing two-of-three fumbles against the Panthers.

“We had a couple of opportunities last week and just did not make the plays,†Moody added. “We watched the film and saw the mistakes we need to work on. The kids recover from disappointment faster than we do and they will respond. Losing a game is part of life. We have to keep our goals on our minds and continue to work hard.â€

Quarterback President Driver was 6-for-11 passing against Caney Creek with 85 yards with a touchdown and interception.

James Miller led the Bears with three receptions for 19 yards and a score while Phillip Richard had a 44-yard catch.