Facing another Top 5 ranked foe in Class 4A, the shorthandedMadillWildcats struggled to consistently get much going but battled throughout in a 49-0 loss to Blanchard in the home finale last week.
The Wildcats will close the season Friday at Bethany, a third opponent in the 4A Top 5 rankings, in the District 4A-2 finale.
“Itdidcomeoutthewaywe hoped,butwehadalotofguys that played their hearts out against an outstanding opponent,” said head coach John Heavner. “We had multiple freshmen and sophomores that hadn’t played but were forced into action because of injury and gave great effort all night long. I’m proud of the way those kids stepped in and competed well.
“Uziel Flores did an excellent job at quarterback after getting thrust into that role for the first time this week. People just don’t understand howtoughthatis.Hehandled it well and made some really good reads and decisions. We didn’t move the ball the way we wanted obviously, but I was super proud of him.”
Madill tallied 112 total yards in the contest while yielding 313 to the visiting Lions.
Flores led the rushing attack with eight carries for 31 yards and also completed a pair of passes in his first signal-calling start for 50 yards.
Jackson Harper chipped in eight carries for 29 yards while Talyn Reames had the Wildcats’ biggest offensive play of the night with a 45yard reception. Justin Smith also added one catch for five yards.
Heavner is optimistic that a few injured Wildcats could return this week.
“There’s a chance we mightgetafewguysbackthis week,” the Madill coach said. “Hopefully we will, but if not, the guys that got experience last week will be ready.
“Our district is just so tough, we’ve already played Tuttle and Blanchard and now finish with Bethany, which is another top five team. We just have to get readyandfocusoncontinuing to make improvements as we go along.”