Region II Champs winning and loving it

The Kennedale Wildcats started this year with a great deal of fanfare. Ranked high in the polls, anywhere from #1 to #10 at the beginning of the season, the Cats were coming off back to back undefeated regular seasons. {{more:Read more …}}

early season setbacks …

The thought was that this was Kennedale?s breakthrough year. Then Kennedale suffered through three losses that dropped them out of the minds of most pollsters. At 2-3 and about to start district play the Cats had been written off.

It is true that this Wildcat team was different than past teams. For the coaches it was sometimes like herding real cats. There was a huge amount of talent on this team but not unlike junkyard cats, who are scrappy, tough and always looking for a good fight, this team was playing as individuals.

 

faith not lost by the coaches or the players ?

 

But neither the coaches nor the players lost faith in the ability of the team to play and win. Somewhere along the way, things changed and the Wildcats charged into the playoffs on a five game winning streak and added another 4 wins to reach the state 4A semifinals this week.

Cats getting ready for another game (Photo: Staci Otts)

And that faith in the each other was demonstrated last week in the region championship against Van. In their 27 point come back in the second half, the Cats played near flawless ball and, significantly for these junkyard cats, Kennedale recorded only a single penalty.

Now the Kennedale Wildcats are where the pre-season polls said they would be as winners of 4A Region 2 and in the hunt for a state title.

 

This team is still very much the scrappers roaming the field ready to hit someone but legally now. They are a hard-hitting team that doesn?t know how to quit and they are winning.

 

Coaches have cited several reasons for the change from the first of the seasons to now. Some cited focus and drive. Others said the team has matured over the course of the season. Coach Barrett likes confidence. He says it is the confidence that has developed both in the players themselves and in their teammates.

But another coach cited a reason that may be one of that ties it altogether. They are having fun.

Cats at 11-3 and still going (Photo: Staci Otts)

At this level of the playoffs, the pressure could be overwhelming but the coaches agree that while the players are focused, they are having fun even in practice. It is the kind of fun you have when you are around people you trust and like.

This team has gone from the top to the cellar and back again. Don?t count them out yet, they plan on playing two more games.

Wildcat Offensive starters:

• Quarterback Evan Jowers (So);
• Tailback DJ Kirven (So);
• Fullback Jaden Knowles (Jr);
• Wingback David Roper (Jr);
• Tight-end Tyler Alphin (Sr);
• Center Brett Bostad (Jr);
• Left Guard Nick Stroud (Sr);
• Left Tackle Colton Hall (Sr);
• Right Guard Andrew Flannagan (Jr);
• Right Tackle Isaiah Butler (Jr);
• Split-end Jaden Smith (So);

Wildcat Defensive starters:

• Cornerback Larry Brooks (Jr);
• Strong Safety Ector Rivera (Jr);
• Free Safety Kade Stephenson (So);
• Cornerback Jakahri Stafford (Jr);
• Linebacker Devan Mason (Jr);
• Linebacker Michael Landers (Sr);
• Linebacker Baron Browning (Sr);
• Defensive End Avion Jenkins (Jr);
• Noseguard Gjemar Daniels (Sr);
• Tackle Aaron Williams (Sr);
• Defensive End Mayfield Hayes (Jr).

Tickets information for Friday night Wildcat football playoff game: Tickets are $10 at the gate Parking is $5. Game at Birdville Athletic Complex in North Richland Hills, 9200 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Directions

UIL 4A D1 Playoff Bracket