While the game is not going to get a lot of attention, it is an important game for the Cats. Kennedale has not played in over two weeks, thanks to an open week in the schedule and then a forfeit by Eastern Hills last week. The Cats simply need to play.
Kennedale is 1-0 in District 6-4A. Kennedale was the preseason favorite to keep the district title but other contenders were listed – Lake Worth, Dunbar, and Western Hills. Tonight Castleberry (0-4) would like to get its first win of the season.
Dunbar (2-3, 2-0) took an early lead in the district standings by beating Western Hills (3-2, 1-1) Thursday night 66-33 and is currently sitting alone atop the standings. In another Thursday night game, Eastern Hill (3-2, 1-1) down Diamond Hill-Jarvis 56-0. Diamond Hill fell to 0-5 overall and 0-2 in district play.
Tonight’s game will complete the second round of district play. Kennedale and Lake Worth (3-1, 1-0) hope to join Dunbar atop the standings. Besides the Kennedale vs Castleberry game, Lake Worth will host Carter-Riverside (3-1, 01).
Last week, Lake Worth beat Castleberry 50-0, Dunbar swamped Diamond Hill-Jarvis 60-0 and Western Hills downed Carter-Riverside 50-30. And, Kennedale won by forfeit over Eastern Hills.
A QUICK LOOK BACK …
Almost three weeks ago in Kennedale’s last game on the field, the Wildcats fell in overtime to 5A Denison 35-28. The Wildcats proved that would not give up on any down. The Cats only punted 3 times more often going for it on 4th and succeeding.
In the first quarter, the Cats struck first giving them the early lead, 7-0. Denison responded to tie the game. But at the quarter’s end, Kennedale scored to regain their edge, 14-7. The second quarter proved to be Denison’s with the Yellow Jackets scoring two touchdowns to go up 21-14. Kennedale did respond with a drive in the closing seconds of the half to score. The extra point attempt failed and Denison was still ahead 21-20.
After the halftime break, Kennedale scored first and with a 2-point conversion once again led 28-21. Denison did tie the game for the last time but not before a controversial call in which a Kennedale player had seemingly scored a touchdown by a reception. The catch was ruled a fumble that went to the Yellow Jackets. Neither team would score again and the game ended in a tie, knotted at 28-28.
In overtime under UIL rules, each team gets four plays to score from their opponent’s 25. Denison made good on their turn, Kennedale did not and the Denison claimed the win 35-28.
TOP WILDCAT PERFORMERS (in no certain order)
Cameron Lyles (Sr) – 121 yds (4.5 avg), 2 TD
Jeremiah Clea (Sr) – 72 yds (12.0 avg), 1 TD
Kameron Sallis (Sr) – 97 yd kick returns (77yd longest), 11 tackles 2 for loss, 1 sack, 2 pt conversion
Poasa Utu (Sr) – 33yds Rec, 12 yd KR, 11 tackles 3 for loss, 1 sack, 1 punt block
Jaylen Webb (Sr) – 9 tackles, 33 yds Rec
Tyler Greenfield (So) – 10 tackles
Zach Conner (Sr) – 5 tackles 1 sack
Shane Hull (Sr) – 4 tackles 1 for loss, 3 hurries, 3 punts w 41.0 avg
Damari Harrell-Jones (SR) – 4 tackles, 1 hurry, 33 yds rushing
Lance Pate (So) – Kicker 50.2 avg on 5 KO, 1 field goal, 3-3 PAT
Game tonight is 7:30 PM.
