For the first time in two years, the Madill Wildcats held a halftime lead in a football contest and although the second half didn’t go as well it was definitely a step in the right direction for the rebuilding program last Thursday.
The Wildcats carried a 7-6 advantage to the break but saw Star Spencer drive for a pair of second half touchdowns to claim the 18-7 victory on a rainy night in Oklahoma City.
“It felt good,” Madill head coach Wade Couch said of the halftime lead. “The kids were extremely excited. We were able to get in a defensive set that gave them (Star Spencer) problems and we were able to hold the ball most of the first quarter and a lot of the second quarter in heavy rain. It was great that we were able to keep drives alive by converting several third downs. It was just a really good half of football. It was the best half we have played. The offensive line did a great job and defensively we managed to keep them in front of us and frustrate them. I was very proud of the performance.
“The second half wasn’t quite as good but the kids fought hard. We allowed a couple of touchdowns on long drives but we were able to limit their big plays. We threatened to score a couple of times but mistakes cost us opportunities when we got within striking distance. I was definitely a moral victory because the kids showed they could play four solid quarters against a quality opponent. I am extremely proud.”
After Star Spencer scored on the opening series of the game to claim a 6-0 lead, Madill settled in and eventually strung together a scoring march that culminated with a Marquis Ibarra 18-yard touchdown run. The Jefferson Ramirez point after kick put the Wildcats in front 7-6, which they maintained to halftime.
The host Bobcats changed game plans at intermission due to the conditions and went to a double tight end set to grind their way downfield for a go-ahead touchdown.
Star Spencer tacked on a similar march later in the half for a two-score edge. Madill marched deep into Bobcat territory late in the fourth period before running out of time.
Rodrigo Cruces and Brylon Gibson were tackling catalysts for the Wildcat defense once again and they also got a needed lift from the return of Kevin Garcia from concussion protocol. Juan Narvaez created a turnover that his brother Christopher fell on for a fumble recovery.
The Wildcats return home Friday to face off with Idabel in a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Warriors sport a 3-4 overall record and are 2-2 in district play following a 13-12 triumph at Pauls Valley last week.
“We’ve seen progressive and notable improvement every week and it has been encouraging effort with our youth,” Couch stated. “Idabel doesn’t have near the top end speed they have had in past years, but they are still very athletic. They are physical and enormous up front. It’s a tall task ahead but very similar to what we faced last week. Our kids realize we weren’t overwhelmed last week and we have a shot to be competitive this week if we take advantage and limit our mistakes.”