Thayer, Mo. – Friday night’s game, October 9, 2026, was going to be a tight match-up. Both the Thayer Bobcats and the Ava Bears had a 4-2 record. Both teams practiced diligently for this game. At the end, the Bobcats showed strength and endurance, outlasting and out-maneuvering the Bears.
First
The Bobcats took control of the first quarter, running the clock and running the field. Plus, they ran in for the only touchdown of the quarter. At one point, the Bears fumbled the ball, and the Bobcats recovered it but could not capitalize.
Second
The Bears came back in the second quarter, controlling the ball most of the time. The Bears’ Palmer made a touchdown. Twice, the Bobcats fumbled the ball, only for the Bears to recover it. The Bobcats had trouble against the Bears’ defense. The halftime score was 6-7 with the Ava Bears leading.
Third
The Thayer Bobcats came out with more energy in the third quarter. Poole did some of the running until Boyce ran 48 yards. They set the Bobcats up for another touchdown. Adding a two-point conversion, the Bobcats were up 14-7 at the end of the third.
Final
Less than a minute into the final quarter, the Bobcats scored another touchdown! Although Boyce was seen limping, he continued to play, even running 10 yards. When the Ava Bears returned the kickoff, one runner ran 87 yards, almost the entire length of the field. Although that set them up for a touchdown, it was not enough to overcome the Bobcats’ defense.
The Bobcats won 22-13. Next week, they play Willow Springs at Willow Springs.
