After a first-game win to Rudder, a win against local-rival Conroe, a record-setting win to Cleveland ( 75-14) and a current undefeated status, the football team seems to be devoted to winning.
With senior DJ Lagway, sophomore Jermaine Bishop, senior Debraun Hampton, junior Terri Lawrence and many more great players, Willis boasts an 11-0 record heading into the second round of the play-offs tomorrow night at Randall Reed Stadium in New Caney against Tomball Memorial.
These achievements have the people in the community constantly sharing positive and encouraging comments for the football program on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There has also been a higher percentage of attendance that show up, fill the stands and support the football team under the Friday night lights. While the successful season has obviously had a direct impact on the football players, it also affects the students around the school.
The band has had a longer season than initially anticipated. Students say that although practice takes some of their time from school, they still strive to be engaged in both activities.
“It has affected my school-life balance a little, but it comes with the territory,” junior Faith Nichols said. “The band has grown exponentially in terms of spirit this season. People have started making signs to hold up in our band section to support our members on the team.”
Students say that they enjoy the chance to have more football games. The band is even more so as they get to take part in creating the atmosphere.
“Being in the band means sacrificing Friday nights for football, but it’s worth it.” Nichols said. “Football season in band will always be a core element of my high school experience.”
Students feel like this triumphant season is something to be proud of for their school. Especially as they enjoy their last year here leaving on such a positive note.
“Since it is my senior year it feels even better because we’re having the best season in school history, and with that, it brings bragging rights,” senior Fhernando Benitez said.
Members of the school programs, like the drill team, say that they enjoy the longer season; they get to have more time with current team members who are graduating this year. They say the season gives them time to bond and create memories with their friends.
“I enjoy the longer season because, for example, so like my best friend in the drill team is a senior. So I get to dance with her still and spend more time with her,” sophomore drill team member Josie Oatman said. “But, we do have to work harder because we have to practice, and we also have competition season coming up.”
The longer season has provided some members of Wildkat Media more weekends of photography. Since she is usually playing volleyball on Friday nights junior Carly Paugh has just started photographing from the Wildkat sidelines.
“I love being on the sidelines during the game,” Paugh said. “I am learning so much about taking pictures and I plan to video a little bit too.”
From the stands, the sidelines or even the live feed, Wildkat fans are loving watching their team win game after game.
“Everyone in the band has sort of gotten this passion for football now and most of us are all about school spirit. Band members enjoy watching the games and are proud to be Wildkats,” junior Amy Garcia said.
