Bobcats keep Bulldogs at bay in area battle

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
Matthew Thomas had 17 points to lead a balanced scoring attack on Friday as the Phil Campbell Bobcats opened their season with a 69-59 road victory over county and area rival Belgreen.
Corey Odom added 12 points for the Bobcats (1-0, 1-0 Class 2A, Area 16), who dropped down from 3A this year. Kyle Nix finished with 10 points, and Cody Garrison had eight. Griffin Harris and Randy Cochran each added seven points, and Jerry Jenkins and Eric Glasgow each had four.
Nathan Hamilton and Cody Rikard each had 13 points to lead Belgreen (1-1, 1-1). Andrew Cansler added nine points, and Avis Smith finished with eight. Kelsey Motes chipped in with seven points, and Josh Smith had five. Josh Dobbs and Will Richardson each had two.
Phil Campbell out-scored the Bulldogs 15-6 in the second quarter to grab a 15-point halftime lead, but Belgreen rallied to within five by the end of the third quarter.
The Bobcats out-scored Belgreen 22-17 in the fourth quarter to hold on for the win.
The Bulldogs return to action on Tuesday with a non-area game at Shoals Christian.
Girls
Phil Campbell 38 Belgreen 30
Tanna Benford had 13 points and Erin Gilbert added 10 on Friday as the Lady Bobcats defeated Belgreen in their season-opener.
Casey Guinn led the Lady Bulldogs (1-1, 1-1 Class 2A, Area 16) with 18 points.
Belgreen led 9-2 after one quarter and 18-11 at the half, but Phil Campbell (1-0, 1-0) tied the game 24-24 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Bobcats out-scored Belgreen 14-6 in the final quarter to pull away.
Belgreen will travel to Florence to face Shoals Christian on Tuesday.