With the birth of a new school year, a new football season rises as well. The Wildcat Football team had one of the best years in recent history winning the District Championship against Orchard Farms High School last november. Inevitably falling to Blair Oaks in the State Quarter final game the cats still had a major success in their season. “It was a surreal moment,” said Senior Receiver Ridge Cathcart.
The Wildcats kicked off their season last night, August 29th against St Charles Highschool. The Cats came out strong taking the lead 14-9 at half. The wildcats were looking good in the first half making minimal errors and capitalizing on key drives. The pirates were able to get their points from a punt return touchdown and then attempted to convert for 2 points but failed. They then scored a field goal bringing their score to 9.
On the Wildcats side, Senior receiver Ridge Cathcart completed a catch in the endzone for 6 and then Junior kicker Stavorous Afentolous capitalized on a PAT. Also for the Cats, Junior running back and first year starter Stephen Skaggs ran in a goal line touchdown bringing the score to 14-9.
With the second half beginning the expectation of the cats was to come out strong, but the same was for the pirates. In an interview done by 800 Sporting staff member Joey Schloss, he talked to St. Charles Senior Linemen Bryce Sieveking said “I think we are gonna get a touchdown”. Unfortunately for the cats, the pirates came out hot. The Wildcat defense struggles to tackle the shifty and quick quarterback of the pirates. On many occasions his speed and quickness allowed him to break tackles and gain yards. What did not help the cats either is that they were missing tackles allowing their quarterback to gain even more yards then he should have.
All of these mistakes added up led to the unfortunate opening game loss for the cats. Although the Wildcats didn’t display their best game, there is hope. With a considerably easier schedule the cats should be looking for a winning season. The Wildcats next game is Friday, September 6th at Clayton High School where the Wildcats are expected to win.
