4A Team of the Week: Benbrook Bobcats
Since the very beginning of this year, Benbrook head coach Cody Slater felt he had a special group.
“From the very first day of offseason, this senior class set goals following last year’s playoff loss and committed to starting with the end in mind,” Slater said. “They didn’t just set those goals—they embraced the daily grind and fell in love with the process, getting 1% better every single day and doing all you can to “Win The Day” every single day.”
Now, they’re not only winning the day, they’re also making school history while doing it.
After knocking off Mineral Wells in the bi-district round for their school’s first-ever playoff victory, the Bobcats followed up with another big win this past week as they took down Midland Greenwood 41-34.
Now, after coming into the season with zero playoff wins in their eight-year varsity history, the Bobcats are one of the last 16 teams playing in 4A Division II.
“No one thought we would be here, but this group believed from the start,” Slater said. “They’ve shown that when you put God first, trust in each other, and dedicate yourselves to something bigger than yourselves, great things can happen. This is a special group, and they’ve set a standard that will inspire future teams for years to come.”
The Benbrook Bobcats are your Area Champions! 💚💪 After a hard-fought battle, the Bobcats defeat Greenwood 41-34 and move on in the playoffs!
What an incredible team effort! We couldn’t be prouder of these young athletes. The journey continues!
On to the next round 🐾🔥 pic.twitter.com/MSkqdtyPiK
— Fort Worth Independent School District (@FortWorthISD) November 22, 2024
Last Thursday, tit was the Bobcat backfield that led the way. Quarterback Brennan Barton threw for 144 yards and a touchdown while racking up 112 yards and two scores on the ground. Alongside him, running back Brady Gordon wore Greenwood down with 147 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries.
Kade Cross led all Bobcat receivers with three catches for 65 yards. Kale Toberny only had one reception, but it was an important one as he hauled in a four-yard touchdown on a throw from Barton.
Looking ahead to this week, if Benbrook wants to keep making school history, it will need to pull off another upset. The Bobcats will face perennial power Brock in Godley at 7:00 on Friday.
Previous 4A Teams of the Week
Week One: Pine Tree
Week Two: Paris
Week Three: Midland Greenwood
Week Four: Eastside Memorial
Week Five: El Paso Austin
Week Six: Clint Mountain View
Week Seven: Port Lavaca Calhoun
Week Eight: Sweeny
Week Nine: La Feria
Week Ten: Little Cypress-Mauriceville
Week Eleven: Bandera
Bi-District: Worthing
