The Westminster Varsity football team has started the season right where they left off last year: hard. For the second straight year, the team has gone against the popular opinion that says the team is small and lacks skill, and they have proven that WCA football is capable of making a statement.

The team opened the season against Festus High School, a team projected to beat the Cats soundly. The result was far from expectation, with the Cats rolling over the Tigers 27-0. A WCA record punt return by Dylan Conway, sophomore, as well as superb passing from Brendan Bognar, senior, were highlights of the day.

The team smashed their way to 2-0 with a 33-6 trouncing of St. Dominic. The Cats defense led the charge, with four recovered fumbles, a safety, and a 15 yard interception return by Nick Ebel, junior. Senior Caleb Miller and sophomore Steve Webb combined for 165 yards of rushing offense in a day firmly controlled by Westminster.

The team’s third game pitted them against a very tough Lutheran North squad. The Cats took a quick 14-0 lead on a Connor Hafenrichter, junior, touchdown catch and a running score from Bognar. Despite the quick start, the Cats were tied 20-20 with five minutes to go in the game. It took a late 83 yard fumble recovery score from Caleb Miller to seal the game.

The Wildcats would try to extend their streak of dominance at home on Saturday Sept. 13 against MICDS.