Celina was prominently featured in the country song about football “Boys of Fall,” a tune where Kenny Chesney reminisces about days on the gridiron.
The Bobcats of 2017 could have what it takes to get to winter, which is December 21. The 4A Division II state title game is the next day. Many coaches around the state believe Celina is one of the top three schools in Division II. Looking at what they’ve got coming back, we agree.
Celina returns seven starters on offense and another seven on defense. Running backs Ismael Ortiz and Ryan Nebeker combined for 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, and they return with most of their offensive line intact.
Throw in the fact that the key components return on defense, and it spells out headaches for opposing teams.
Celina lost two of its first three games to start 2016, but they were to Princeton and Argyle, a pair of good teams. They won seven straight to finish regular season 8-2 and went four rounds deep in the playoffs.
The Bobcats whipped Emory Rains in the opening round and squeaked by a very talented Gladewater team, 44-41, in the area round. Celina beat a resurging Pleasant Grove team by four points before finally falling to Gilmer. Note: That Gilmer team is picked by many to win the Division II title this year.
But not if Celina has anything to say about it.
Key Losses
QB Conner Pingleton, LB Hayden Shortes, OL Luke Melton
Pingleton was the District 5-4A DII Offensive Player of the Year, Shortes was the Defensive Player of the Year and Melton was the Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Key Returners
LB Casen Heistand, DT Sam Snyder, Ismael Ortiz
Ortiz and Ryan Nebeker will run behind an experienced offensive line that includes Charlie Rose, Cooper Buchanan, Luke Brinkerhoff and Grant Smith.
The defense will be very salty with Heistand and Snyder leading the way.
Verdict
Few teams have state championship hardware like the Celina Bobcats. The players and coaches expect them and the town shuts down to watch their boys chase that goal on Friday nights.
The Bobcats will have enough talent to chase another one this fall with an even mix coming back on each side of the ball.
Celina will get early tests with Princeton and Argyle paying a visit to Celina. District starts Oct. 13 against Caddo Mills and Nevada Community before a monster clash with Melissa on Oct. 27.
They close regular season with Bonham and Aubrey before the playoffs begin. They’ll definitely be in the playoffs, but just how far these Cats can go could be determined in the trenches.
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