HS Football: Willis Throttles New Caney in Statement Win Against Defending District Champion

NEW CANEY, TX -- The Willis Wildkats (3-0) brutally defeated the New Caney Eagles (2-1) to kickstart their district run at Randall Reed Stadium.

Knowing their strengths, the Wildkats took the first opportunity that came their way to show off their team. The team was able to score the opening touchdown in just a handful of plays, using the legs and arm of quarterback D.J. Lagway to kickstart the scoring.

This score would signal the beginning of a massive spurt of touchdowns from both teams that could only be stopped by a minor blackout that cut power to the stadium.

After resuming play, Willis was able to get its first passing touchdown, with DeBraun Hampton being on the receiving end of a 38-yard touchdown throw from Lagway. A New Caney rushing touchdown would be the team’s only response as the Wildkats opened the throttle with two touchdowns of their own in response.

The first half ended in disaster for New Caney with their starting quarterback, Hunter Taylor, going down with an injury. Utility player Kayden Cooper came in as a substitute, but he sailed a throw that ended up in the hands of Willis defender A’Mauree Holmes. Holmes would take the interception to the house and ended the first half with Willis up 33-9.

With New Caney set to receive the second-half kickoff, the Eagles receiving team came ill-prepared. The kick lofted into no-mans land where it was covered up by the Wildkats. With the momentum firmly on their side, Willis mounted a monumental second-half offense to pour salt into New Caney’s wounds.

D.J. Lagway would continue to prove his five-star status with more passing touchdowns to his talented receiving core. Touchdowns ended up in the hands of the previously mentioned Hampton, Jermaine Bishop Jr., Romel Stevens, and Jaylen Mickens before time expired. Mickens had a night to remember for himself, collecting three passing touchdowns on the night.

A good sign came from the New Caney sideline during the onslaught of the third quarter with the return of their starter, Taylor. His refusal to quit, paired with a couple of productive drives saw the Eagles put up respectable points despite having an off night.

When the final whistle came, Willis had utterly dismantled the defending district champions to the score of 54-21 to avenge last season’s blowout loss.

New Caney must look for ways to fix issues before taking on the Woodlands Highlanders, while Willis will face a threatening Conroe team at home.