The Mena Bearcats (6-3, 4-2) knocked out two of their pre-season goals on Friday when they guaranteed a winning season and qualified for post season play with a 41-20 pounding of the Fountain Lake Cobras. The win will send Mena to the state playoffs after missing the post season in 2015.
It was a balanced offensive attack with Jr. quarterback Carson Cannon posting his most complete game as the Bearcat signal caller. Cannon rushed 15 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. He was also an accurate 10-19 through the air for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
Jr. Justin Dean was also a bell cow with 9 carries for 91 yards, four catches for 111 yards and scored two touchdowns. Dean also had several tackles and an interception on the defensive side of the ball. Senior Ryan Ozanich had 4 carries for 22 yard, two catches for 27 yards and was all over the field on defense recording multiple tackles. Jr. Ty Cole had four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
The Bearcat defense played fast and aggressive and gang tackled all night. They also forced a season high six turnovers including four interceptions. Senior Elijah Snider picked off two Cobra passes and Jr. Cross Hughes picked off another.
The Bearcats close out the regular season against top five ranked Joe T. Robinson on senior night this week at Randall Whorton Field. The playoff picture will crystallize this week and all the Bearcat info will be available from Bearcat Foundation on Twitter, Instagram and always at bearcatfoudation.com