The Whitney Wildcats left no doubt Friday night, capping the regular season with a statement win and their first district championship since 2018. Behind another dazzling all-around performance from junior quarterback Kobe Haynes, the Wildcats powered past rival West, 41-28, to finish undefeated in District 5-3A Division I.
The victory not only secured Whitney’s first outright district title in six years but also solidified the Wildcats as a legitimate playoff threat heading into the postseason. Whitney (8-2, 5-0) will face Whitesboro (5-5) in the bi-district round Thursday at Joy and Ralph Ellis Stadium in Irving.
Haynes was involved in all six of Whitney’s touchdowns — four through the air and two on the ground — in one of the best games of his impressive season. He also handled kicking and punting duties, continuing to prove why he’s one of the most dynamic two-way players in Central Texas.
Whitney wasted little time setting the tone, striking on its opening drive when Haynes found KJ O’Hearn for a 19-yard touchdown. After the defense forced a quick punt, Haynes went right back to work, connecting with Keegan Estill on a 10-yard scoring pass to give Whitney a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
West responded with back-to-back scores to tie the game early in the second quarter, but Whitney’s offense didn’t flinch. Haynes took off on a 40-yard touchdown run, weaving through defenders and restoring a 21-14 lead. Moments later, he added another highlight — a perfectly placed 26-yard strike to Jaxon Landrum to make it 28-14 at halftime.
West continued to battle, cutting the deficit to 28-21 late in the third, but every time the Trojans crept closer, Haynes and the Wildcats delivered an answer. Early in the fourth quarter, Haynes found O’Hearn again for a 13-yard touchdown to make it 35-21.
When West trimmed the lead to one score with under four minutes remaining, Whitney put the game away the same way it had all night — with speed, power and precision. Two plays after recovering an onside kick attempt from West, Haynes broke free through the middle and sprinted 52 yards to the end zone, sealing the victory and setting off a celebration on the visiting sideline.
While Haynes’ six-touchdown night stole the headlines, the Wildcats’ defense and supporting cast were equally crucial. The unit created consistent pressure up front and limited West’s big plays in key moments, while playmakers like Jontae Johnson, Colt Poore and Jordan McGill made impact plays throughout the night on both sides of the ball.
Following the game, Head Coach David Haynes Jr. told the Waco Tribune-Herald that the win was the culmination of years of steady progress and a testament to the team’s resilience. Whitney had been knocking on the door of a district crown for several seasons, and this time, they finished the job.
With the district title secured, the Wildcats now turn their attention to the playoffs — and the opportunity to make an even bigger statement.
“This team has heart,” Haynes added. “They’ve learned how to stay the course and finish games. That’s what it takes to win championships.”
If the Wildcats keep playing like they did Friday night, Whitney fans might not be done celebrating just yet.
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