Wildcats finish strong in opening scrimmage
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The Sulphur Springs Wildcats football team had their opening scrimmage Friday, as they inch closer to kicking their season off. In the opening scrimmage the Wildcats hosted the Lindale Eagles and played a full four-quarter game.
Entering the game, it was expected that the starters would see a good bit of action. Coach Brandon Faircloth told us earlier in the day Friday that he expected the starters to play the first three quarters, before switching over to the back up’s and players looking to earn a roster spot in the final frame.
Sulphur Springs struggled to put points on the board early, though they did see plenty to be excited about offensively. Lindale took a quick 21-0 lead in the first half, capitalizing on some good field position after recovering a turnover.
The Wildcats got into the red zone for the first time late in the second quarter, thanks to a first down pickup from running back Malachi Roland on a fourth-and-short close to midfield. On the very next play Roland picked up another 20 yards, getting the Wildcats all the way inside the 30-yard line.
Sulphur Springs continued to drive, getting as close as the 7-yard line before finally being stopped. Despite the great field position, the Wildcats were unable to make their field goal, and would go into the half still trailing 21-0.
The Wildcats got the ball to start the second half, and wasted no time getting themselves back in the game. Quarterback Brady Driver handed the ball to Roland on the opening play, who was able to break off a 60-yard run and get the Wildcats inside the 10-yard line. Unfortunately the Wildcats were unable to find the end zone, but kicker Uriel Santa Cruz was able to knock down a field goal, putting Sulphur Springs on the board at 21-3.
Lindale answered back with a solid drive of their own, marching down the field and finding the end zone for the fourth time. The Eagles score put them up 28-3, with less than six minutes to go in the third frame.
The Wildcats opened their next drive by once again feeding Roland, who was able to pick up a first down on the carry. Despite getting to midfield, the Wildcats were forced to punt the ball back to Lindale after a big sack on third-and-four.
The Wildcats were able to get a quick three-and-out, getting their offensive starters the ball back for one final possession. After a bad punt from Lindale, Sulphur Springs opened the drive on the Lindale 35-yard line.
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After an incomplete pass and a four-yard loss, the Wildcats found themselves in a 3rd-and-14 from the 39-yard line. Driver let a deep pass go to Landon Fields, who was able to make a great catch, finally going down at the five-yard line for a gain of 34 yards.
On the very next play, Driver handed the ball to Roland, who was able to bully his way into the end zone, making the first touchdown of the night for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats defense forced a quick stop and got the ball back for the reserve offense, which was led by quarterback Kaden Mitchell. Mitchell and his unit marched their way down the field quickly, getting inside Lindale territory in just a few plays.
Sulphur Springs marched their way to the seven-yard-line before capping the drive off with a rushing touchdown to bring the score as close as 28-17. Neither team was able to score again, as Lindale won the game by a final score of 28-17.
Despite a slow start from Sulphur Springs, they heavily turned things around from the second quarter on. The offense, had a number of things to feel good about, including the performances of Driver and Roland. The leading receivers for the Wildcats were CJ Williams and Skylar Lewis, who each had strong performances, as well as Fields who had the 34-yard catch to set up their first score of the night.
The offensive line, which Faircloth mentioned was an area of strength so far in camp, also had a strong outing in the opening scrimmage.
Defensively the Wildcats also stepped things up after the opening quarter. Safety Riley Hammonds had a good showing, recording a number of tackles as well as a big pass breakup.
Defensive lineman Nick Castillo had a great night as well, recording two sacks in the game. The defensive line as a whole did a good job shutting down the run in the final three quarters.
The Wildcats will get the opportunity to build on their strong finish this week, as they travel to Wills Point for their second and final scrimmage. To see a full broadcast of this weeks game, click here.
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