Sports Writer: Brent Cook
September 14, 2023
The Whitney Wildcats traveled to Dallas Friday night and made a statement against an overmatched Inspired Vision squad in the 2023 district opener.
The Wildcats dominated every aspect of the game and cruised to a 68-0 victory. With a mix of big plays, hard hits and turnovers, Whitney built a six-score advantage by the end of the first half and never gave the Eagles a chance.
The win put the Wildcats at 3-0 on the season with a battle against the undefeated West Trojans on the docket for this Friday at Wildcat Stadium.
The Trojans, an early season favorite to once again be a playoff contender, currently sit at 1-1 on the year. West kicked off the season with a 17-7 win over Godley, but then fell 27-13 to a top-notch Lorena Leopards team. A bye-week has given the Trojans extra time to prepare for the Wildcats in a game that will propel the winner to the top of the District 7-3A (Division 1) standings.
Once again, this year’s district alignment slots Whitney against eight opposing teams to create one of the largest districts in the state. However, the playing field in District 7-3A has yet to prove level.
The competition for the four playoff spots has traditionally landed between Whitney, Grandview, West, Dallas Madison and Maypearl. And this season appears to be no different as a set a four charter schools from Dallas have struggled to gain traction.
Inspired Vision, A Plus Academy, Gateway and Life Oak Cliff all remain winless on the season and failed to score any touchdowns in the first week of district play.
The lopsided district makes games against the top teams like West all the more crucial as teams position themselves for potential playoff seeding.
But games against the charter schools are also pivotal and provide teams a chance to work out the kinks and solidify the game plans.
Such was the case Friday night against Inspired Vision.
With a roster full of returning playmakers, the Wildcat offense continued to perform as expected, storming the field and putting points on the scoreboard.
Quarterback Mason Seely once again picked apart a defense, racking up just over 200 yards and three touchdown tosses. The junior also had a rushing touchdown. Receiver Jairdyn Anderson continued his hot streak with 158 yards and three touchdowns, while Angel Saucedo ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns on four carries.
But the defense has refused to be outshone.
After limiting two talented teams to just three scores a piece, the Wildcats went to the next level against the Eagles and posted a shutout. The Wildcats had an answer for every move, pressuring the quarterback, stuffing the run, interrupting the secondary and snatching up loose balls.
The momentum will need to continue against West, who will be ready to start its district quest on a positive note.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.
The Lakelander 