Extra Point Previews: Opp Bobcats

OPP, Ala (WDHN) — Another year, another head coach for Opp football. After leading the Bobcats to the playoffs in his first year, Matt Brunson is back to Baker. Stepping in is Wiregrass coaching veteran Ed Rigby, who is optimistic about where this team is headed as they move up to class 4A in 2024.

“I was able to walk into a great situation,” Rigby shared. “The coaches had open arms, and I’ve allowed them to coach and kind of step back out of the way. They know the kids better than me, and it’s been a great experience. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re moving in a positive direction. And you know when they do all those picks about regions and all that, and you look down there and see us 4th—remember I told you this, that’s not where we’ll be, I guarantee it.”

On offense, quarterback Justice Baldwin steps up to lead a unit with considerable talent. Sophomore Cam James looks to be the primary ball carrier at running back, while the receiver room is led by junior DJ Hines and electric senior Kal Crittenden.

“We’ve got people that can catch the ball, we’ve got speed, we’ve got the footwork, and we’ve got amazing coaches that help us break it down,” said Crittenden. “I feel like we will be able to accomplish a lot of points on the board.”

On defense, Jay Allen, who switched from running back last year, steps into a leadership role as a linebacker. He plays behind a stout defensive line led by Javion Stoudemire and AC Hightower.

“I feel like we can control the front and just be dominant,” Hightower stated. “I feel like nobody can really stop us. We just need to stay focused and let our play do the talking.”

Even though Rigby believes he is stepping into a good situation, he is focused on keeping the team’s sights forward and continuing to grow.

“To say, ‘Oh, you know, you’re a team that was four and six last year, and you’re moving up to 4A,’ none of that matters,” Rigby emphasized. “It’s a new day. The coaches have life in them, the players have life in them. There are some kids who will be on the field that were JV kids last year. I mean, we’ve got a quarterback who threw for 2,000 yards on JV—who does that? We’ve got some things going for us, we’ve got skill guys who can catch, a back who can run, an O-line that can block, and a defensive front that’s dominant. We’re getting better every day, and I’m excited to be in Opp.”

The Bobcats open their season on August 30th, hosting Northview High School from Florida.

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