The first offensive play for the Theodore Bobcats in their spring football game Friday night against Biloxi was a completed pass from Crishon Overton to Crishawn Sharp for a 7-yard gain.

Anyone who knows the rich history of Theodore football understands the significance of that.

The Bobcats used a successful passing game and the strong running of Kendrick Able to post a 14-13 win during the varsity portion of the spring scrimmage, which lasted one half plus one addition drive for each team’s starters. Junior varsity players completed the four quarters.

“We see that we can move it throwing the football, then you mix in running our traditional Bobcat offense and we’ve got a chance to be pretty good on offense,” said Theodore coach Steve Mask. “We’re young on defense. We came out and saw what we expected to see tonight.”

After Biloxi opened a 13-0 lead, Theodore scored twice in the second quarter. Overton ran one in from 2 yards out, then hit Anthony Howard on a 4-yard scoring pass with 8 seconds left before halftime.

Theodore star JJ Bush was on the sideline but did not play. The rising senior linebacker is going to be one of the state’s top recruits in the Class of 2026. His list of suitors includes LSU, Missouri, Mississippi State, Florida, Arkansas and Baylor.

“I have official visits set up to Missouri on May 30, Cincinnati on June 6, LSU on June 13 and Arkansas on June 20,” said the 6-foot-3, 210-pound star, who will also play running back. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m going to make sure to take advantage of it.”

One of the main attractions of the night was the coaches on the visiting sidelines. As the captains met for the opening coin toss, the public address announcer at C.A. Douglas Field said, “We want to welcome coach Eric Collier back to town. Let’s give coach Collier a big hand.” The fans obliged in welcoming Collier, who went 71-41 in 10 years as the Bobcats’ head coach, including a 13-1 record and state semifinal appearance in 2022.

Collier is now an assistant at Biloxi, along with former Baker head coach Steve Normand. The Indians’ head coach is Jamey DuBose, the former coach at Orange Beach and state champion at Prattville and Central Phenix City.

“It’s great to see the community come out and support all of these kids like they always have,” Collier said. “More than anything, it’s good to see all the kids and parents here.”

Theodore opens the 2025 season with two tough road games at Baker (August 22) and Spanish Fort (August 29).