HS Football: The Wildkats Put On Dominant Display in 50-Point Win Over Caney Creek

WILLIS, TX -- The Willis Wildkats (3-0) put on a clinic on their way to a 67-17 win over the Caney Creek Panthers (0-3) to start of district play.

After a perfect run against out-of-district opponents, the Wildkats welcomed the Panthers as the first test of what the teams would look like to start in-district competition.

Willis’ opening drive was a strong indication of things to come, with an opening kickoff return to Caney Creek’s 25 setting the team up with excellent field position. A few plays later Jack Emerson found Jermaine Bishop Jr. in the back of the endzone for the game’s opening score.

A safety following a Bishop Jr. interception was the only noticeable blemish on Willis’ first half, with the team controlling all aspects of the game.

Emerson and the offense feasted on large swaths of field through the air. Bishop Jr, Jalen Mickens, Daylion Robinson, and Terri Lawrence III made scoring contributions by taking the passes thrown to the endzone for efficient scores.

In an exclusive interview with The Woodlands Online Sports, Willis Head Coach Trent Miller spoke on the team’s near-perfect play to start the game.

“We came out firing offensively, as usual,” said a pleased Miller. “We had a goalline stand on their opening drive. You take away that one blunder with the safety on our second series, and that’s as close to a perfect game as possible.”

Caney Creek’s inability to match Willis' offensive production came down to a mostly one-dimensional offense.

Despite being winless, the Panthers were the most proficient running team in the district heading into their date with the Wildkats. Nearly 700 yards on the ground entering Friday made it clear how Caney Creek would attack, and Willis prepared accordingly.

Blitzes off the edge and smothering tackles for loss forced Caney Creek to punt on four consecutive drives during the first half. Meanwhile, the Wildkats and their unmatched production built a 42-2 lead going into the locker rooms.

A breath of fresh air came to the Panthers’ sideline to start the second half when a speedy Darrall Ellis broke through the Wildkat coverage unit on the second-half kickoff. Ellis’ speed carried the senior running back 95 yards to score Caney Creek’s first touchdown of the game.

In response to their first touchdown given up, the Wildkats proceeded to score touchdowns on three of their next four drives. Two of which were led by Jakobe Blanks, who used physicality to break through on read options against the tired Panther defense.

Blanks, Hayden Hood, and the rest of the second and third-unit players for Willis gained valuable experience in a tough district that may force them into playing should issues arise.

“This is a tough, physical district, and so guys have to be ready to go when their numbers are called,” said Miller. “I was pleased with how Jakobe [Blanks] played in the second half and Hayden Hood was tremendous.”

The change in speed from Willis’ second-unit defense started to give Caney Creek’s battered offense a break. For the first time since the first quarter, the Panthers carried a drive into the Wildkat red zone with their sights set on the endzone. Under pressure, Caney Creek quarterback Demarcus Williams threw an accurate ball into the endzone for the Panthers’ first offensive touchdown and a 67-17 deficit.

No amount of work from the Panthers would have overcome Willis’ indomitable lead, but Caney Creel’s offensive sync at the end of the game showed signs of a fight against insurmountable odds. A valuable trait to carry through the rest of the season.

Several runs from both teams ate the final minutes off the clock, and the final whistle signaled the end of the game with Willis taking a 67-17 victory.

A 3-0 Wildkat squad now has to ready itself for a Thursday night matchup against the equally unbeaten Woodland Highlanders. Expectations will be high for both teams, with the hopes of a potential district title being up for grabs.

“Everyone in the area is talking about how this game is for the district championship, and I hat putting implications on a game like that this early in the season,” said Miller. “We treat every game as equally as important as the next.”

With his players focused on the opponent ahead of them, Miller and the Wildkats feel as though they are ready for the test that lies ahead of them.

“Our boys are hungry,” said Miller. “Getting these guys motivated shouldn’t be too difficult. But we have to clean things up on both sides of the ball before then, but we’re excited about it and we’re looking forward to giving the fans a show.”

Willis’ matchup against The Woodlands will be on Thursday at 7 P.M. while Caney Creek’s next shot at a win will also be against the Highlanders, but on the 27th.