After an impressive route through the regular season, the Whitney Wildcats (9-1, 7-1) are primed for a return trip to the playoffs.
The journey begins at 2 p.m. this Saturday as Whitney will face off against Groesbeck (7-3, 4-2) at Waco ISD Stadium. The annual Senior Walk and a community pep rally is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Wildcat Stadium.
The Wildcats should be ready and rested following a surprise bye week. Whitney was set to close out the regular season against Dallas Gateway Charter Academy (2-8, 1-7) last week at Wildcat Stadium, but the Gators forfeited the game at the last minute. It was Gateway’s second consecutive cancellation.
The time off provided Whitney with an opportunity to reflect on the recent loss to Grandview where the Wildcats narrowly missed hoisting the district championship trophy.
But more importantly, the Wildcats’ coaches and players were able to focus on the future and create a solid game plan for the Groesbeck Goats.
Groesbeck heads into the bi-district match-up with Whitney as the third seed from District 8-3A. The Goats closed out the season by losing two of the last three. The two losses were both blowouts served up by the top seeds from District 8-3A, Malakoff (10-0) and Teague (7-3). Groesbeck’s other loss came earlier in the season against a playoff-bound Marlin team.
Groesbeck has shown the ability to light up the scoreboard and slow opposing teams throughout the year. However, the Goats will have their hands full against a star-studded Wildcat squad.
Under the leadership of Coach David Haynes, the Wildcats produced one of the best regular seasons in team history. Whitney has excelled on both sides of the ball, averaging 54 points a game and limiting opponents to an average of 20 points. The defense has smothered teams, created turnovers and posted multiple shutouts.
The Wildcats boast a roster of playmakers who attack from all angles. Quarterback Mason Seely and receiver Jairdyn Anderson are among the statistical leaders in Central Texas. Seely has thrown for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. Anderson has been the primary target with more than 1,000 receiving yards and 13 scores.
However, the Wildcats’ depth has often made a difference. Receivers Marcus Wilson and Kaden Tanner have overwhelmed defenses, while Jontae Johnson and Angel Saucedo have led the ground attack. There’s a long list of Wildcats that can score at any moment.
On defense, the Wildcats are led by Trey Haynes. The senior linebacker is one of the area’s top defensive players with a unique ability to storm the backfield, create pressure and gobble up fumbles and interceptions. Haynes is complemented by fellow linebacker Teagan Winkler and Wilson, Tanner and Anderson in the secondary. The Wildcats have also benefited from solid special teams play that has been anchored by kicker Carson Griffin.
Looking down the road, the winner of the Whitney and Groesbeck contest will square off against the winner of Tatum (5-5) vs. Commerce (7-3). Within Region 2 of the 3A-Division 1 bracket, the Wildcats have powerhouses such as Winnsboro, Malakoff and Grandview on the horizon.
The Lakelander 