Purcell’s Dragons are once again on a short week of preparation for Thursday’s contest with Star Spencer set for 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at Taft Stadium.

Despite a 2-5 start to the season, Dragon Head Coach Aaron Dillard reports the Bobcats continue to play hard.

“They have some guys that can hurt you out in space,” Dillard said. “They are a 50-50 run-pass team out of spread offensive formation.

“It’s another short week so we have had to put a lot in and clean things up before we go to Oklahoma City,” he confirmed.

The Bobcats will line up on defense in a 4-2-5 formation.

“They get a little bit better every week out,” the coach said.

“We’ve got to take care of the football,” Dillard confirmed.

Purcell was just a play or two away from knocking off North Rock Creek last week at Conger Field.

After trailing 19-6 at halftime, Purcell fought back to take a 20-19 lead with just over five minutes to play.

But the Cougars put together a final drive that resulted in a touchdown with just 16 seconds remaining not giving the Dragons time to answer in a 25-20 loss.

Junior Matt Hall jump-started the Purcell scoring on a four yard first quarter burst.

North Rock Creek then reeled off 19 straight points before Purcell battled back on touchdown runs of six and four yards by junior Braylon Francis to briefly take the lead.

Junior Paul Glorius was 2-3 kicking points after touchdowns.

“Dylan Smith played a phenomenal game in the offensive line,” Dillard praised of his senior offensive guard.

“Brian Cazares and Kaden Pliler both played extremely well at right tackle and center,” Dillard said. “Aron Barrera did some good things at left tackle.

“We had some good things up front. The O-line helped us move the ball really well at times.

“Our defensive backs Braylon Francis, Matt Hall were consistent,” the coach continued. “Liam Cummings did some good things.

“We had enough explosive plays to win,” Dillard continued. “We had several long runs and several long pass plays. We should have scored more points but some busts and turnovers hurt us.”

The Dragons fumbled on the one yard line going in for a long touchdown pass just before halftime that resulted in a touchback. North Rock Creek scored on the next play making it a 14-point swing to end the half.

“Cash Cook had three catches for 87 yards so he had a pretty good night,” Dillard said.

“We gave up 19 points in the first half. We challenged them and they came out and played great defense until that last drive,” Dillard said.

“Dylan Smith had a monster game in the defensive line making five tackles and had two quarterback hurries. Brody Walkup made some great plays at defensive end. He had two big sacks and  broke up a pass. Carter Bennett and Braylon Francis both played well.

“We didn’t play our best in the first half but Oscar Wren played fantastic at times in the second half. Cooper  Selman, Deaken Dobbins and Ethan Colburn had good games. After we challenged them they came out and played better,” he concluded.

Dragon notes:

Head coach Aaron Dillard nominated Dylan Smith as the Defensive Lineman of the Week for his five tackles, including two for losses, and two quarterback hurries.

Nominated as the Defensive Player of the Week was Brody Walkup. He had five tackles including a pair of quarterback sacks and broke up a pass.

Brian Cazares got the nod in the Offensive Line, grading out at 81 percent.

Dillard nominated Braylon Francis as the Offensive Player of the Week. He had 57 yards rushing on seven carries and a pair of touchdowns.