Photo: KHS

The Kennedale Wildcats operate seemingly as one unit since the distinction between who is supposed to score isn’t always clear. On Friday night the Wildcat offense scored 3 touchdowns, the defense scored 2, and special teams added another. Other points were made on a rushing conversion while the Wildcat kicker completed the point total with 3 points on PATS and a field goal.

Senior quarterback Jackson Hammonds, injured for several games, returned to action Friday night to help the Kennedale Wildcats post the most points yet with 44. The Castleberry Lions entered the game averaging 40+ per game but left with just 7.

Breakdown …

For the game, Kennedale rushed for 253 yards (6.2 yards per carry) with 3 touchdowns and passed for 58 yards on 5 receptions with no interception and no touchdown. Total offensive yards were 311.

Castleberry carried the ball for 170 yards (3.5-yard average) with 1 touchdown and passed for 106 yards on 11 receptions and 2 interceptions with no touchdowns. The total yards on offense was 276.

Kennedale had 510 all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, kick/punt returns, and interception yardage).

Wildcats with points …

Scoring for Kennedale was by offensive running back Avery Cox (Sr) twice; offensive runner Riley Bingham (Jr) once; Laurrence Watkins (Sr) once on a kickoff return; and once each by defensive player Gavin Godley (Jr) and Kevin Godfrey (Jr). Lance Pate (Sr) added another 6 points with successful PAT attempts and one field goal. Austin Thiele (Sr) added 2 points on a conversion.

Pate was asked to punt only two times in the game. This was another first this season. He averaged 45.5 yards per kick.

Game leaders for the Wildcats …

L Watkins (Sr) total yds 182 (81 by rush, 18 by receiving, 82 yds by kick-off return), 1 tackle, 1 pass defense, 1 touchdown
Riley Bingham (Jr) 103 yds (77 by rush, 26 by punt return, 10 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defense, 1 touchdown.
Avery Cox (Sr) 27 yds by run, 2 touchdowns
Lance Pate (Sr) 8 kick-offs 471 yds (58.9 av), 2 punts 91 yds (45.5 av), 6 points scored (3 PATs and 1 field goal)
Trey Smith 45 yds (5 rush, 40 receiving), 2 tackles, 2 pass defense
Tyler Greenfield (sr) 15 tackles
Mitchell McBroom (Sr) 10 tackles 1 for loss, 1 QB hurry
Gavin Godley (Jr) 8 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 interception for a touchdown
Landen Watkins (So) 13 tackles
Kevin Godrey (Jr) 4 tackles,1 fumble recovery for a touchdown
Nate Fanning (Sr) 4 tackles, 1 fumble recovery.

Other notables include

Brian Cox (Jr) 42 rushing yds.
Austin Thiele (Sr) 2 point conversion
DJ Darjean (Sr) 6 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 QB hurry

The resurging Cats will take on Life Waxahachie this Friday night @ home. Game time is 7:30 pm.

It was Homecoming for Kennedale …

The following photos were posted by Kennedale High School of the selected members of this year’s Court which included the representatives from the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes plus senior candidates with their family members and/or escorts. The final two photos are the 2023 Homecoming Queen and King and the 2024 Queen and King.