The first football game against Aldine Davis showed areas needing improvement from the reigning district champ Wildkat team. Dropped balls, turnovers, and penalties left the crowd and critics wondering if the WIldkats could make it this season without five-star quarterback DJ Lagway and his winning combo of passing and rushing.
Fast forward to week two when the Kats faced the Klein Collins away. After the 40-7 victory against a talented team, the critics have little to say.
“Felt good to silence the negative talk,” senior Frankie Long said. “We came into this year losing a lot of guys, but we had a lot of guys coming up that stepped up and we proved everyone wrong.”
The team knew this season would be filled with change, but they made plans to have another successful year.
“I knew we had a lot of newcomers coming in on both sides of the ball,” senior Jacorian Hatchett said. “We had to get our connections strong and that’s what we did. That’s why we are 2-0.”
New players understand the importance of joining a legacy.
“Feels great to be invited with open arms,” senior Kelan Harris said. “I enjoy being around the guys. They open-heartedly brought me in.”
New players and returning players alike see the team as an extended family.
“It feels good it comes with a lot of opportunities,” senior Darvelle Allen said. “When I came they welcomed me and gave me a place to call home.”
The Wildkats face Caney Creek this Friday at Berton A. Yates Stadium. It is the first game of the district competition. It is the first victory needed to secure the district championship for a second year.
“It feels good we are all doing our jobs,” senior Jalen Mickens said. “Even though we lost a lot of players last year, we are continuing to be great and continue the legacy.”