HS Football: Can The Wildkats Still Bite Without Historic Quarterback?

WILLIS, TX -- A combination of next-level athletic talent, an other-worldly understanding of football, and sensational contributions from teammates lifted Willis’ D.J. Lagway to historic heights in 2023, but can the Wildkats succeed in his absence and who will replace the young gunslinger?

The 2023 MaxPreps National Player of the Year, Mr. Texas Football, and the Gatorade Football National Player of the Year, D.J. Lagway made an indelible mark on the history of Texas High School football and the history of Willis High School. But with his departure at the end of the 2023 football season, questions began to swirl as to what would become of Willis in 2024.

With the season starting at the end of August, the Wildkat quarterback situation is still up in the air. Whoever will be named the starting quarterback in Willis’ season opener will be surrounded with the tools needed to succeed on a day-to-day basis.

Leading the charge returns Trent Miller, now named the 13-6A Coach of the Year in just his second season in charge.

A litany of weapons litter the playing field for Willis, with Utility Player of the Year Jermaine Bishop Jr. making an impact on both sides of the ball. The irreplaceable outside receiving presence was matched by his lockdown tendencies on defense, making Bishop Jr. a matchup nightmare for anyone lined up across from him.

Terri Lawrence III and Daylion Robinson will return to the field for their Senior seasons. The thunder and lightning running back duo feasted on opposing defenses due to Willis’ balanced attack that used them as running and receiving options. With most of the offensive line returning too, both Lawrence III and Robinson will wreak havoc on those lined up from them.

Receiving threats from Jorn Halbaedier, Jalen Mickens, Romel Stevens, and Carter Williams will bring last year’s explosive production with them into 2024. Even with several deep threats leaving for graduation, the present weapons at receiver, running back, and the offensive line will likely propel the Wildkats into another threatening offensive power.

Anchoring the district’s best offense was the district’s best defense, also held by the Wildkats. Few teams are capable of matching offensive prowess with a defense that can keep opponents down, but Willis’ unmatched production on both sides of the game was a sight to behold.

The defensive back position will see a lot of turnover from 2023-24 due to the losses of Atavian Friend, Jamarion Major, and A’mauree Holmes, but the previously mentioned Bishop Jr. will provide experience and leadership in his corner position.

Similar to the DBs, the loss of 1st Team All District Linebacker Brock Perry will be felt on the defensive end, but the fresh understudies will seek to make a similar impact behind a mostly returning defensive line.

With loads of turnover throughout the depth chart, the returning pieces from last season’s success, including nine All-District players, will join forces with the incoming sub-varsity players and transfers to replicate last year’s success. The hopes of a repeat district championship are well-founded.