The Bell County middle school team is headed to the second round of the regional tournament after defeating the Clay County Tigers 32-12 on Saturday in Williamsburg. The Bobcats will square off against the Corbin Redhounds in Somerset this Saturday at 2 p.m.

“We are clicking at the right time,” said Bell County coach Darrin Clark. “We are playing with a lot of heart and determination right now. We are executing our offense well, and our defense is playing lights out. In this past two games combined, we have had eight or nine fourth down stops. The team is playing unselfish football and doing everything we ask of them.”

Clark says that as the middle school coach, he tries to pass along the traditions and habits of the Bell County High School football team. His team attends all of the Bobcats’ games on Log Mountain.

“Our guys really look up to the big boys,” said Clark. “Every home game, most if not all of our guys are there with their jerseys on supporting the older guys. You can see the pride on their faces when they’re around there. They are all familiar with the history and traditions of the high school team and coach Hilton.”

Out of Bell County’s 32 points, all but one touchdown was score by Daniel Thomas. Just before the half, with Bell County leading 8-0, Thomas ran back a kickoff for a 75-yard touchdown, extending the Bobcat lead to 16-0.

“Daniel is our work horse — our team leader,” said Clark. “The team rallies around him. We play as a team. There is not one play or scheme that we use that revolves around one player. Our guys play well together. Blake Evans played a great game, Josh Cody played well. Our offensive and defensive lines are playing really well right now.”

The Bobcats went on to add 16 more points in the second half to secure a 20-point victory over Clay County and a berth in the second round of the regional playoffs in Somerset.