High School Football OnDemand: The Woodlands Highlanders vs. Willis Wildkats 10/28/23

High School Football OnDemand Game - : The Woodlands High School vs Willis High School - 10/28/23. Presented by Woodlands Online Sports and Powered by Broadcasting Texas The long-awaited matchup has arrived. An unbeaten newcomer must go through the traditional powerhouse as the Willis Wildkats get set to take on the Woodlands Highlanders. The Wildkats are in sole possession of first place in District 13-6A due in no small part to the high-flying offense. The number one-ranked offense in the district has produced a total of 4,463 yards of offense through eight games played, staking the Wildkats 808 yards ahead of any other team. The production stems from the newly five-star rated quarterback and University of Florida commit D.J. Lagway. The future gator has set the district on fire with his electrifying ability to sling the football to his talented offensive weapons while also possessing the capability to scramble at a moment’s notice. Lagway leads the district in passing and overall yards gained with 2,865 and 3,278 respectively while also posting 47 total touchdowns. Not to be outdone, the Wildkat defense is also a formidable force that comes with its accolades. A turnover margin of +5 has handicapped opposing teams, and their ability to move the football downfield while also giving the ball back to the district’s top offense. 22 sacks and nine interceptions have also hindered the potential for plays from opposing quarterbacks, which the Wildkats will need against the daunting Woodlands Highlanders. Up against this new force are the perennial powerhouses of the area, the Woodlands Highlanders. An 0-2 start against some of the toughest competition in the state has prepared the Highlanders for the run, which they currently find themselves on. Since losing to North Shore and Lamar, the Woodlands have won all of their last seven games convincingly, showing why they have been one of the most consistent contenders in the district. The oppressive scores are posted by the Highlanders’ quarterback, Mabrey Mettauer, who carries accolades similar to his opponent in purple and black. Mettauer is a future Wisconsin Badger and a four-star commit who made his decision back in December 2022. Since that decision, Mettauer and the Highlander offense have built one of the best units in the North Houston area. His stats show a stellar ability to throw the football, with 1,706 yards through the air and 24 touchdowns. Where Mettauer stands in difference to Lagway is in his efficacy in connecting with his receivers. Zero interceptions and a completion percentage of 72% demonstrate the veteran ability of Mettauer to work through his reads and to deliver an accurate throw away from the reaching hands of defenders. The Highlander defense is bolstering these versatile skill players, which has proven to be one of the best units in 13-6A. The Woodlands defense has only allowed 368.1 yards per game through seven played, which stands at sixth in the district. Beyond the limitations put on opposing offenses, the Highlanders have also forced turnovers that handicap an opposing team’s ability to string together drives. A turnover margin of +7 is the best in the district, which fuels the energy brought by the Highlanders and provides the opportunity for their offense to drive up the score. The critique against the Wildkats and their success has been that they lack the resume to be considered the “top dog” they are made out to be. Will the narrative be proven right by the highly capable Highlanders, or will the new kid on the block rise to the standard they have been placed in? All will be answered Thursday night at Woodforest Bank Stadium and on The Woodlands Online Sports. *All stats are accurate as of 10/18/23.

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