The WJ football team started their postseason with a 40-13 statement win against the Laurel Spartans. After a disappointing 4-5 regular season campaign, the Wildcats were able to reestablish their identity and get the job done on a warm Thursday night, advancing to the regional semi-finals.
Even with a below .500 record, the Cats were able to secure a home-field advantage for the first round. As their hunt for back-to-back appearances in the regional championship began, the Wildcats came into the playoffs with a new perspective.
“We didn’t have the regular season we wanted but going into the playoffs, everyone starts 0-0 and we know what we have to do to win,” senior wide receiver/safety Joshua Koenick said.
Although they are underdogs to win the regional title this year, the players and coaches took the game as an opportunity to start the playoffs on the right foot.
“It’s a different vibe when it’s win or go home,” senior captain DL Jonathan Fisher said. “You’re playing for a lot more so it makes us a lot more fired up and have a lot more energy.”
The Wildcats hit the ground running and scored early on in the game. From there, the Cats never looked back as they dropped 40 points against the Spartans.
“Coming out strong was huge, setting the tone,” Fisher said. “From there, we just had to ride the momentum throughout the whole game.”
Stars such as Koenick and junior linebacker Hank Amaditz came up big with game-shifting plays as the Spartan’s season came to a close.
“If you win the turnover battle, it helps you win the game,” Koenick said. “It’s a big momentum change to get us going on offense.”
The team will have to rely on its defense more as the playoffs progress.
“Defense is the heart of football,” junior CB Jackson Hayter said. “We’re going to keep on rolling and make sure everyone is focused.”
As the clock ticked zero, a bittersweet sensation came among the seniors. The playoff match was the last time they would suit up underneath Wildcat Stadium’s lights.
“It was sad, knowing you’re not going to play there again but I think it motivated us even more,” Fisher said. “I knew I had to show out and give all I had for my last [home] game.”
Even with a big win against the Spartans, the Cats will have their biggest matchup yet tonight against the Paint Branch Panthers. The game will be played at Paint Branch and starts at 6:30 p.m.
“We have to be disciplined and know what our job is,” Koenick said. “We have to do our job and be physical every single play.”
A rematch from the regular season, where the Wildcats were trampled 42-7, the regional semi-finals will be an opportunity for the Wildcats to show off their improvements.
“We know who they are, but we also know who we are,” Fisher said. “I think it’s unfair to completely write us out. We’ve made a lot of changes and gotten a lot better and we’re going to come in firing and giving all we have Friday.”
