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Madill junior running back Brandon Stephens, #24, runs through a line of Dickson Comets during their winning game on September 25. Jennifer Rushing -
Madill junior running back Brandon Stephens, #24, runs through a line of Dickson Comets while senior Armando Sanchez, #50, clears the path. Jennifer Rushing
The Wildcats traveled to Earnest Moore field in Dickson to open district play against the Comets on September 25, 2020. With 336 total offense yards, 57 passing and 279 rushing, the Wildcats got down to business with an interception from Junior Nick Northcutt. The Wildcats were able to capitalize off the interception with Junior Brandon Stevens, who had 75 total yards for the night, getting the first score.
Madill head coach Chad Speer said the game was a good opportunity for many of the players.
“We had six starters out last night,” said Speer. “What it did do is give some kids an opportunity to play and I think a lot of them took advantage of that and played well. I was pleased with the way we started.”
The Wildcats held the Comets to a scoreless first quarter.
The second quarter had more hiccups than the first, being the Wildcats struggled with penalties. They racked up nine penalties for a total of 50 yards, and Speer said the penalties were definitely not a good thing.
“The penalties were really disappointing. It’s never positive from that aspect, especially when they are presnap penalties,” said Speer. “We really need to have guys locked in and focused on what they are doing.”
The Comets were able to score a touchdown but the Wildcats remained focused despite the penalties for Sophomore Rodrigo Villegas to kick a field goal to add three more points. Madill lead 10 to 7 going into halftime.
In the second half, the Wildcats continued to make both offensive and defensive plays. Junior Kendall Robertson scored with 4:32 left in the quarter. Kendall had 57 passing yards and 88 rushing yards for the game.
Speer said he thinks the players ability to practice more because of the bye week showed in their performance during the game.
“It was nice for our guys to have two weeks of preparation against Dickson and I thought we were prepared and I think it showed,” Speer said. “Our defense came out and played really well, got a stop. Then the offense put together a drive. We got our running game going.”
Unfortunately, the defensive line could not completely stop the opposing team. The Comets would gain another touchdown, with the score 17 to 14 to begin the fourth quarter.
With 5:28 left in the game, Sophomore River Shaw, who had 26 total yards, scored; sealing the game for the Wildcats with a 24 to 14 win. Key offensive player was Sophomores Holden McGahey with 23 carries for 114 yards.
Speer said the guys played extremely well.
“I thought both of our running backs played really well, Holden McGahey and Brandon Stevens,” said Speer. “The other guy that helped in that running game was fullback Tony Barrientos. I thought our offensive line played their best game up front, especially having some guys playing for the first time up there. Our goal last week was to be 1-0 in the district.”
The Wildcats will host the Sulphur Bulldogs on Friday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m. with another district game. Speer said even though it was a win, they need to buckle down and practice harder for the upcoming games.
“We have to keep working on practicing harder,” said Speer. “We have a big week ahead. We really need to focus.”
The Bulldogs will come to Blake Smiley Stadium 2-2 for the season. “We need to take the next step this week against Sulphur, who is a good football team. It’s going to be a huge challenge for our guys,” said Speer. “We need to continue to work on practicing better. We are going to have to stop the run this week and need to continue to progress our own run game.”