HS Football Playoffs: Wildkats Keep Perfection Alive with Win Over Nimitz

WILLIS, TX -- The Willis Waldkats added Bi-District Champions to their resume with a 62-34 win over the visiting Nimitz Cougars.

The undefeated champions of District 13-6A hosted the Cougars at Yates Stadium, where the elements gave both teams a damp, cold environment that had the recipe to make offense difficult for both teams.

But, the offenses immediately went to work to start the game, with Nimitz being the team that struck first. A healthy balance of running and passing throughout the game allowed the Cougars to move the ball efficiently, resulting in a rushing touchdown from quarterback Albert Brown.

Not to be outdone, the high-flying Wildkat offense sought to match and surpass their opponents, and it rang true in the first quarter. Willis tended to start games slow offensively, but three touchdowns from the Wildkats put the narrative to rest as the 21-7 lead remained intact to finish the quarter.

The potent Willis scorers D.J. Lagway, Jermaine Bishop Jr., and Daylion Robinson feasted on the opportunities they were given by punching in scores through the first and second quarters. Lagway ended the half with three rushing touchdowns from inside the red zone, prompting cheers and celebration from the Wildkat home crowd.

In an exclusive interview with The Woodlands Online Sports, Willis Head Coach Trent Miller spoke on the value his quarterback adds to the offensive side of the ball.

“The kid is an absolute stud,” said Miller. “He made sure the guys were locked in and made sure they were focused.”

Still fighting after their opening drive score, the Cougars relied on their sophomore leader, Brown, to get back into the game. Brown targeted his receivers, namely Malachi Augustus, for lengthy gains through the air before rushing for another score.

The first half ended with the Wildkats in front 35-13, with adjustments and more fireworks set to come out in the second half.

The fireworks got off to a quick start, with Willis set to receive the second-half kickoff. It took two plays and less than a minute for the Wildkats to reach the endzone due to a lengthy scramble from Lagway that was followed by a touchdown pass to A’mauree Holmes.

The floodgates were open for scoring following Willis’ opening drive, as both teams would nearly double their scores from the first half.

Nimitz continued to rely on Brown’s scrambling abilities to pick up short yardage gains and the steady hands of Augustus to get big yards on receptions. This balance gave the Cougars some shots near the endzone, which they capitalized on.

Willis kept its foot on the gas in response, tacking on scores via explosive passes to the stacked receiving core. These chances were provided by the push up front from the Wildkat offensive line, who gave enough time for their quarterback to do what he needed.

The game did get chippy between the two teams near the line of scrimmage, prompting the officials to discuss the issue with both sidelines. Coach Miller took the words to heart and broke down the situation with his team.

“At that point, it was focusing on not doing anything stupid,” said Miller. “Eliminating the dumb penalties because we are going to need everybody.”

His team cleaned up their side of the ball as they continued to rack up scores against the Cougars. Four Wildkats reached the endzone on offense, and a pick-six from Bishop Jr. sealed the deal for Willis, who ended the night with a 62-34 win.

The win keeps the perfect run going for the Wildkats and provides a beacon for the community to gather around as it continues.

“This town is excited, and this town is 100 percent behind us,” said Miller. “I could not be more proud of our kids and what we did tonight.”

The Wildkats will play in the Area Round of the playoffs against the Tomball Memorial Wildcats in a battle of playoff cat supremacy.

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