Plucky, ballsy, and bold are some of the words that could describe Kennedale’s defense so far this season. These same words could be said about Ranchview’s play last Friday night. Depending on your viewpoint, it was either a cocky Wildcat team that took the field last Friday night or it was an under-estimated Wolves team determined to protect its home field. Whatever the take, it was a serious challenge for Kennedale’s undefeated district run.
Kennedale came into the contest on a 3-game win streak while Ranchview had lost two straight district games. Those losses were against 4A #3 Alvarado (8-0, 3-0) 48-14 and Castleberry (4-4, 1-2) 39-29.
Ranchview had upset on their minds …
If Kennedale thought it would be a walk, Ranchview ended that thought with an interception on the Kennedale’s 13 on the game’s opening drive. Two plays later, the Wolves scored. The Cats stopped a two-point attempt.
On the ensuing kick-off, a repeat happened. This time the Wildcats lost a fumble on the Kennedale’s 24 yard-line. The Cats’ defense stepped in to prevent a touchdown but a field goal kick attempt was successful. The score was 9-0 Ranchview after Kennedale’s first two possessions.
Cats regain control of the game …
Finally, after two consecutive hard slaps in the face, the Cats were ready to play. On the ensuing kick-off, Kennedale marched down the field from their 33. Ten plays later, Laurrence Watkins (Sr) spun for 15 yards and the Cats’ first touchdown. QB Jackson Hammonds (Sr) helped keep the drive alive with a 17-yard ramble on a quarterback keeper. The point-after-kick by Lance Paté was good. Kennedale had staunched the bleeding by pulling within two, 9-7.
In the second quarter, the K-Defense stepped up again with a “Pick-6” by Dj Darjean and a 42-yard return. A two-point conversion attempt was stopped by the Wolves. The Cats had now moved ahead 13-9.
The Cats’ defense remained in control after the ensuing kick-off when four plays later the Wolves were forced to punt from their own 20. The Cats returned the ball to the Ranchview 39. Six plays later assisted by a Jackson Hammonds (Sr) 11-yard pass and a 11-yard touchdown run by Joshua Cornwell (Sr), the Cats were up 20-9 after a Lance Paté PAT.
The Cats claimed complete control of the first half as time was running out with a crucial fumble recovery by Tyler Greenfield (Sr) on the Kennedale 24. Kennedale managed an eight-play drive capped with a 1-yard touchdown by Laurrence Watkins (Sr). The point-after kick was blocked but the Cats were now up 26-9.
Kennedale added insurance in the closing seconds of the first half after the Cats’ D forced a Wolves’ punt. Six plays later Kennedale’s Paté (Sr) added a field goal with just 3 seconds left.
The Cats had scored 29 unanswered points to take a 29-9 lead.
Game momentum reverses again …
After the half, the seemingly down-for-the-count Ranchview Wolves took full control of the game and went on a 21-point scoring binge.
First, the Wolves scored with a six-play 84-yard touchdown drive followed by a fumble recovery that was returned for another touchdown. At 29-23, Ranchview was back in the game.
The ball exchanged hands several times with Ranchview blocking a Kennedale field goal attempt while the Cats recovered a Ranchview fumble only to hand the ball back to the Wolves on downs. Ranchview used the gift to score a touchdown on a 7-play drive and regain the lead 30-29 with a successful PAT.
A win on 3 …
In the fourth, Kennedale played the long game eating up the clock and regaining the lead with a field goal by Lance Paté. That would be all the Cats needed.
After halting the Wolves on their final drive and with Ranchview out of timeouts, the Wildcats ran out the remaining time for a hard-fought 32-30 win.
Two games left to play before the playoffs …
This game was a close call but the Wildcats have now turned around their season with four straight wins for a 4-4 mark. But, more importantly, the Wildcats have a 3-0 district record with just two games remaining including a possible district title game.
Next are the Lake Worth Bullfrogs (2-6, 2-1) this Friday, November 1. The Wildcats will play at home. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Team Stats …
Total yards: Kennedale 367 yards (11 passing, 356 rushing) – Ranchview 241 yards (76 passing, 165 rushing)
3rd down Conversions: Kennedale 5-11 – Ranchview 4-11
Total Turnover: Kennedale 2 fumbles, 1 interception – Ranchview 1 fumble, 2 interceptions
Kennedale top players for the game …
Riley Bingham (Jr) 143 yards rushing (8.4 per), 50 yards kickoffs, 17 yards punt returns, game total 210 yards, 5 tackles
Joshua Cornwell (Sr) 97 yards rushing (9.7 per), 1 TD
Jackson Hammonds (Sr) 55 yards rushing (6.9)
Laurrence Watkins (Sr) 31 yards (3.9), 2 TDs, 2 tackles
Brian Cox (Jr) 44 yards (5.5)
Dj Darjean (Sr) 8 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 fumble recovery for TD
Tyler Greenfield (Sr) 7 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Aidan Ruiz (Sr) 7 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 sack
Kevin Godfrey (Jr) 6 tackles, 1 for loss
Mitchell McBroom (Sr) 5 tackles, 2 for loss
Lance Pate (Sr) 8 points – 2 PATS and 2 Field Goals
Cats have moved to 3-0 in the district and remain tied with Alvarado as the only unblemished teams in District 6/4A.
