SEVENTH GRADE BEARCATS USE DEFENSE TO SET UP OFFENSE

The Booneville Seventh Grade Bearcats got four first half turnovers, and it offense used short fields to build a 26-0 lead.

The Bearcats then coasted to a win by the same score at West Fork Thursday to stay an unbeaten 5-0 in conference action.

Hank Loftin was responsible for three turnovers himself with a pair of fumble recoveries and an interception on the final play of the half.

Before the defense took over, the Bearcats, 7-1 overall, marched 70 yards in seven plays to start the game.

On his way to 73 yards on 13 carries, Colt Whitehouse got the touchdown on a run of 14 yards for a 6-0 lead.

Colten Simmons was responsible for the first turnover, recovering a fumble caused by Whitehouse.

After Simmons’ fumble recovery the Bearcats got a second Whitehouse touchdown on a run of 2 yards and it was 12-0 lead.

Loftin’s first fumble recovery preceded a 6-yard touchdown run by Aiden Akers (shown) to make it 18-0.

After Jorday Day forced a fumble that Loftin recovered and the pair hooked up for an 8-yard touchdown pass to make it 24-0.

After three failed 2-point conversion failures, Whitehouse overcame a false start penalty with an 8-yard run for the 2-point conversion and a 26-0.

The Bearcat defense would get a fifth turnover in the second half as Cain Catlett recovered a fumble and David Bik helped preserve the shutout with seven second half tackles.

The Bearcats will play their final home game of the 2024 season next Thursday against Mansfield. Game time is 5:30 p.m.