This was a week 3 matchup with two 3-0 teams, the Central High Wildcats and the Walker Wildcats, facing off head-to-head with one team bound to be handed their first loss by the end of the night.
Central QB Jackson Firmin, who would have a great night through the air, gave the game its’ first points by scoring on a very tough scramble on the first drive of the game, running through 3 tacklers into the endzone.
The Central Wildcats then had a drive that was purely fueled by the defense. They forced a punt which ATH/DB Steven Ranel would return for over 50 yards putting the team in prime position to score. Central drew up a pass, out of their wildcat formation, with their 2 all-purpose defensive backs Ranel and Marvin Joseph. Joseph delivered the pass to Ranel in the endzone to get themselves a touchdown for the offense putting them up two possessions.
After Central jumped out to a swift 14-0 lead, Walker needed a score and a long pass down the sideline to WR Carleiyon Joseph set them up to do exactly that. RB Cayden Jones not shortly after was able to get the Wildcats on the scoreboard right before the end of the first.
Steven Ranel who had his impact all over the game made his presence felt on a big kick return this time and set his team up in a great position once again. Freshman RB Keldon Cooper would end up getting into the endzone giving his squad a two-touchdown lead.
Walker showed their flashes by getting a safety and with some creative playcalling they had moved down into the red zone on a huge play from Cayden Jones. RB Jacob Mackey would get into the endzone making it a 21-16 game. This felt like a very competitive game at this point, but Central’s defense would kick into another gear after this score.
QB Jackson Firmin decided to hop back into the fun tossing a perfect pass to his WR Hayes Matherne, allowing him to sky over 2 defenders and bring down the grab. This huge play set up another handoff to the freshman RB and Keldon was into the end zone for his 2nd touchdown of the night.
Fresh out of halftime, Walker’s defense was holding well and their offense was moving the ball but were stopped by a turnover on downs, down inside in the 20-yard line. The Central offense would reward the defense for the stop by going down and getting points. This drive had WR Kylen Thomas‘s name all over it with a huge catch on another great throw overtop by Firmin. Firmin went back to him from the 13-yard line and Thomas who was in perfect position easily caught the pass giving them a comfortable lead with 35 points.
Central’s Marvin Joseph was another player who got the job done on both sides of the ball for his team. His offensive skills stole the show today though adding a rushing touchdown to go with his earlier passing touchdown for a pretty fun stat-line and delivering the final dagger to this game.
This would be the final score of the game as Central’s defense was lights out all second half, not allowing any points. The offense would take the clock down, get a few new faces in the game, and walk out of their home stadium with a 42-16 win, improving to 4-0 on the season. Walker falls to 3-1 versus a tough opponent on the road.
Some additional stand-out players from both teams that caught my attention were:
DL Donte Flowers for Walker. Even while down a deficit from the start of the game, this guy was making plays for his team defensively and was pumped up all night. His stats may not be flashy but he provides that spark for Walker on defense.
KD and DK Mays for Central. The Mays’ last name was called all night long on defense by the commentators with them racking up tackles. The twins made tons of plays up front shutting down the Walker run game that had been a huge part of their offense this season.
Check out both team’s schedules for the rest of this season.
Check out my post-game interview with Freshman RB Keldon Cooper below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.