Time is running out.
Adrenaline surges through every player on the field as the crowd erupts in excitement. An intense battle of offense vs. defense against Forney continues as back and forth touchdowns make the game a battle of who wants the title more. The scoreboard ends at 38-32, and marks
Willis’s first ever trip to the 4th round of playoffs, a moment the school will never forget.
The team will play Desoto in the fourth round of the play-offs on Saturday in Waco at Baylor University’s McLane Stadium. In the eyes of the senior football players, it was all or nothing. Fighting for one last chance of winning the championship.
“Making it to the 4th round means a lot to me,” senior Trentyn Braun said. “For two years we have lost in the third and went home with tears. Making history my senior year feels amazing, everyone counted us out before the season started. It felt amazing to prove everyone wrong and finish on top this season.”
Watching on the sidelines, supporting groups witnessed and gained great memories of all the games leading up to such a remarkable moment.
“One of my favorite memories of playoffs is getting to hang out with my closest friends who support me in all different ways,” senior Makayla Baird said. “I also enjoy getting to watch all the football players destroy the other team for my senior year.”
To add to the adrenaline, the band continues to travel and support the football players no matter what.
“My section throughout the playoff season is always screaming for our team,” junior Salvador Vela said. “In the stands me and my section get the loudest, and we scream our lungs out to the point that we lose our voices. Overall the playoff season has let our section let loose, and continue to build our friendships.”
With only eight teams left fighting for the state title, the football players continue to make progress as they get ready to face DeSoto.
“This team has grown so much and I am proud of the guys,” senior Eli Bracken said. “We really have figured out our roles and what lets us succeed. Making it this far in the playoffs for my senior seasons, means the world and is a result of all our hard work. It is a blessing.”
After a defeat from DeSoto two years in a row, the football team hopes to have one last chance of winning.
“I really hope it is possible for us to continue on through the 4th round of playoffs this season,” senior Madison Mae Bratton said. “Not only would it be an incredible victory for all of our Willis Wildkats but it would definitely make senior year that much better for the class of 2026.”
