Under the bright homecoming lights, the Whitney Wildcats turned Wildcat Stadium into a highlight reel Friday night, October 17. Big plays, swarming defense and an explosive offense powered Whitney past the Maypearl Panthers 56–13 in a dominant and dynamic performance.
The win lifted the Wildcats to 5–2 overall and 2–0 in district play, extending their winning streak to three games and keeping them undefeated in District 5-3A Division I.
The Wildcats played fast and physical, while staying focused for a complete team effort.
The Wildcats’ offense wasted no time asserting itself, with quarterback Kobe Haynes leading a balanced and explosive attack. Haynes once again showcased why he’s one of Central Texas’ most versatile athletes, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more while piling up more than 300 total yards.
He connected with Delvion Walter for an early touchdown pass and later found KJ O’Hearne in the back of the end zone for a 30-yard score that drew roars from the home crowd. On the ground, Haynes was nearly unstoppable, breaking loose for scoring runs of 88 and 60 yards — his eighth and ninth rushing touchdowns of the season.
Any time the Wildcats touch the ball, something special can happen.
Running back Jontae Johnson continued to anchor the ground game, rumbling for more than 100 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown burst early in the first quarter. Johnson, one of the top rushers in the district, now has 12 rushing touchdowns and 18 total scores on the season.
O’Hearne also added a spark on special teams, returning a kickoff for a touchdown as Whitney continued to dominate in all three phases.
While the offense piled on the points, Whitney’s defense quietly turned in its second straight outstanding performance. The Wildcats’ front seven controlled the line of scrimmage from the opening series, recording multiple sacks and pressures.
Senior Johnny Ayers set the tone early with a first-quarter interception that helped swing momentum in Whitney’s favor. From there, the Wildcats’ defense kept the Panthers on their heels, limiting them to one touchdown and two field goals.
The defense played aggressive, confident football that added to the homecoming atmosphere.
The homecoming win followed Whitney’s 34–7 rout of Grandview — a program that had dominated the district in recent years. The back-to-back blowout victories have given the Wildcats a strong foothold in the district race and renewed belief in what they can achieve this season.
With two dominant wins to open district play, Whitney’s offense is averaging more than 50 points per game, while its defense has given up just 10 points per contest in that same stretch.
Player of the Game
Kobe Haynes — the Wildcats’ dynamic leader — delivered another highlight-filled performance, throwing for two touchdowns, rushing for two more, and accounting for over 300 total yards. Haynes also handled kicking duties and two-point conversions, continuing to prove why he’s one of the most complete athletes in the region.
Up Next
The Wildcats (5–2, 2–0) will look to extend their win streak next week when they travel to Mexia (1–6, 0–2) for another key district matchup. The Black Cats are coming off a 64–0 loss to West, while Whitney hopes to stay red-hot and continue its push toward a playoff berth.
The Lakelander 