New year … New schedule… Different team …
The Kennedale Wildcats went 7-0 in district play last year, 7-4 overall, while making the playoffs for the 23rd straight year and earning a 12th straight district title. Coach Richard Barrett also celebrated a milestone with his 250th career win during the season.
Despite all that, Barrett, his staff and the players know that was yesterday. Players graduated or moved over the summer. New players have moved up or in as replacements. This year includes a new district line-up, three new non-district teams to play, and empty spots on both defense and offense to fill.
Wildcat prospects for this year …
UIL re-districting covering the next two seasons has put Kennedale back in District 6 4A Division I along with Lake Worth and Castleberry. New to the district are Alvarado, Waxahachie Life, and Carrollton Ranchview. Gone are the Fort Worth ISD teams. Diamond Hill-Jarvis, Carter Riverside, Eastern Hills, and Western Hills have moved to District 5-4A while Dunbar dropped to 4A Division II due to a decline in enrollment.
It is expected that Alvarado and Kennedale will battle for 1st place. A showdown of the two will be the last game of the regular season on November 8. This is an old rivalry that only recently has been renewed. More on the match-up later in the season.
Talented group of Wildcats returning …
Kennedale has a good group of returning players including 10 All-District selections from last year’s team. These are listed with grade, name, and all-district designation as follows: Sr Aidan Ruiz (Defensive Newcomer); Sr Lance Pate (Special Team); Sr Tyler Greenfield (Defensive MVP); Jr Ethan Webb (Outstanding 0-Lineman and Star-Telegram All-Area); Jr Brady Cantu (2nd Team Offensive Linemen); Sr Laurrence Watkins (1st Team Running Backs and 1st Team Defensive Corner); Sr Mitchell McBroom (1st Team Tackle); Sr DJ Darjean (1st team Defensive End); Jr Gavin Godley (1st Team Outside Linebacker); and Jr Trey Smith (2nd Team Defensive Corner).
In all, Kennedale reported as the new year began that there were 21 returning players from last year including 13 lettermen. This included 5 starters on offense and 6 on defense. This still leaves many open positions to be contested early in the season for the Cats.
Four out of the first 5 teams ranked in top 25 in Class 4A …
The Wildcats have a high-powered pre-district schedule this year.
MaxPreps pre-season top 25 poll for Class 4A DI has Frisco Panther Creek #4, Alvarado #16, Aubrey #19, and Springtown #20, while La Vega is #16 in 4A DII.
Dave Campbell Texas Football for Class 4A have Frisco Panther Creek #3, Springtown #18, Aubrey #23, and Alvarado #22. And, in Division II, La Vega is ranked #8.
Kennedale comes in unranked and will be fighting for respect early. In the past, a strong pre-district schedule has helped prepare the Cats to challenge for the district title.
2024 Wildcat Season Schedule
8/30/24 @ Waco LaVega 7:30 pm – Waco, TX
9/06/24 @ Aubrey 7:30 pm – Aubrey TX
9/13/24 vs Springtown 7:30 pm
9/20/24 vs Panther Creek 7:30 pm – Frisco TX
9/26/24 (Thursday) vs Dunbar 7:00 pm
OPEN
District Play
10/11/24 vs Castleberry 7:30 pm Homecoming
10/18/24 vs Waxahachie Life 7:30 pm
10/25/24 @ Ranchview 7:00 pm – Irving TX
11/01/24 vs Lake Worth 7:30 pm
11/08/24 @ Alvarado 7:30 pm – Alvarado TX
Coaches (Varsity, JV and Freshman): Matt Casey, Patrick Hughes, Corey Taylor, Cameron Massengill, George Griffin, Charlie Hammonds, JW Scott, James Sapp, Marcus Ross, Doug Groff, Jay Jurchisin
Athletic Trainers: Shannon Johnson LAT David Rodocker L.A.T, MS, LAT, ATC
Student Trainers: Andrew Aten, Autumn Brown, Kayle Flores Escoto, Morgan Franklin, Aubrey Haub, Emily Henry, Mayah Herring, Yara Kanan, Britney Romans, Hanna White, Jessi Willilingham
2024-25 KHS Cheerleaders: Ali Burris, Riley Faschingbauer, Kaleia Ireland, Alexia Berry, Claire Blocklyn, Aris Busari-Okoro, Senia Chaves, Taylor Cowling, Zikiyyah Hart, Lakyn Lacy, Zuri Lawson, Malia Mendez, Braelee Richards, Keleigh Singleton, Jordan White, Kevon Prince (Mascot) Cheer Coaches: Lindsey Hammonds, Maggie Inlow
