Kennedale kicks off their season with the traditional ?Midnight Madness? this coming Monday at approximately 12:15 am at Wildcat Stadium. It is not for the sleepy but this is just the warm-up to a tough pre-district trudge. {{more: Read More … }}
Coach Richard Barrett?s Kennedale Wildcats climbed the heights last year, making it into the state semifinals, another first in a long list. This year, the Wildcats are once again considered as a possible contender for a state title, but, first there is a gauntlet to pass through in early season action. Last year, Kennedale emerged from this same schedule roughed-up with just two wins and three losses. However, they followed that with a nine game winning streak that only ended in the state semifinals.
That Kennedale will make it into the playoffs is a certainty. What happens between then and now is not so certain. The Wildcats face a potential murderers row of teams in pre-district play.
Here is a preview.
Scrimages …
DI-4A Waco LaVega Pirates ? (Home) Region 4A IV power loaded with seniors with a title under its belt in 2015, might have the best defense in Class 4A, rank #2 Texas Football and #5 in Coaches Poll, predicted winner of Region IV.
5A Sherman Bearcats ? (Away) predicted to be in the playoffs out of District 5-5A which includes the likes of Denton Ryan (#9 in 5A), Denison, Denton and Wichita Falls Rider. Second year head coach making splash, has 14 returning starters. Bobcats combine running and passing effectively.
Pre-District …
DI-4A Terrell Tigers ? (Away) Playoff ready, predicted 3rd place finish in District 8-4A, Area finalist last year at 9-3, rebuilding, returning 6 starters. Always tough at home. Kennedale won 21-20.
DI-4A Alvarado Indians ? (Home) Provided the Cats with one of the more disappointing losses of last year. Indians have 11 starters returning off of 9-3 team that was an area finalist, predicted behind Midlothian Heritage. RB/DB Jacob Shockley returns along with RB Blake Henderson (1,700 yds, 20 TDs). Longtime rivals always troubling. Kennedale lost 21-14.
5A Wichita Falls Rider Raiders? (Away) Borderline playoff potential in tough district, 13 returning starters. Finished 4-7 and a bi-district finalist. Has experienced offense and looking for 8th straight playoff appearance this year. Kennedale wins 34-27.
5A Whitehouse Wildcats ? (Homecoming) Strong team spelling potential trouble for the Kennedale Wildcats. Experience on both sides of the ball returning 17 starters from a 6-4 team and a bi-district finalist. Predicted to be solid 2nd behind #20 Ennis in District 17-5A. Kennedale lost 34-21.
DII-4A West Orange Stark Mustangs ? (Nacogdoches) Down year with just a #2 state finish predicted this year after taking two titles in a row! This team does returns only 7 starters but is still predicted to be District and Region IV champion before supposedly losing to Gilmer in the state game this year. This is a program that dates back to 1977 and has had only 3 head coaches but 4 state titles and only 1 losing season in its history. Cats lost 45-21 but was the only team to score that many points on the 15-0 state champions.
Comments are closed.