WCHS Wildcats Defeat Hollowrock/Bruceton 21-9 in Region Action

“Homecoming 2026” was a successful one as the Wayne County High School Wildcats came away with a 21 – 9 region win over the Hollowrock/Bruceton Central Tigers. The 'Cats piled up 260 yards of offense and three rushing touchdowns by Avery Vaughn to take the win. The stingy Wildcat defense held Bruceton to only 33 yards rushing on 25 attempts. Their record now stands at 2 – 3 on the year, and they will be on the road this week as they travel to another region foe, the McEwen Warriors.

The game against Bruceton got off to a rocky start Friday night as the opening kick was muffed, and Bruceton covered the ball at the Wildcat 15-yard line. They kicked a field goal on the fourth play from scrimmage to make the score 3 – 0, with only two minutes gone on the clock. The 'Cats got the ball at their own 20 on the next series and went 80 yards in 9 plays with Avery Vaughn scoring from 6 yards away. Nathaniel Hernandez came on to hit the PAT to make the score 7 – 3. The Wildcat defense forced a punt by the Tigers on their next possession, taking the ball at their own 15. Again, they went the 85 yards in 9 plays, with Vaughn scoring from 14 yards away. Hernandez converted the kick, giving the 'Cats a 14 – 3 lead, with 8:09 left before the half. Bruceton attempted a field goal on their next position that was blocked by Wildcat Brayson Harris. The halftime score remained 14 – 3.

In the second half, the Tigers took the ball at their own 42 on the opening kick and went 58 yards in 4 plays, scoring a touchdown on an 11-yard run. The point after touchdown failed, making the score 14 – 9, with 8:20 left on the third quarter clock. The Wildcats answered back with another touchdown, going 80 yards in 6 plays. Vaughn scored for the third time of the night. This time it came on a 39-yard run. Nathaniel Hernandez hit his third PAT, to make the score 21 – 9. On the next Tiger series, Brayson Harris came up with an interception on the second play of the possession, giving the 'Cats the ball at the Bruceton 25. They ran 3 plays and attempted a field goal from the 13 that was no good. The teams exchanged punts, and time ran out on the Tigers as the 'Cats took the win, 21 – 9.

Avery Vaughn again had a great game, rushing for 141 yards on 20 carries, with 3 rushing touchdowns. Mason Moore rushed 10 times for 39 yards, and Drew Baugus carried the ball 2 times for 8 yards. Baugus was 6 of 11 passing for 71 yards. Cayden Castleman had one carry for 8 yards. Daylan VanFleet had 5 pass receptions for 32 yards, and Jacan Floyd had one catch for 39 yards.

The Wildcat defense gave up 33 yards on the ground and 140 in the air. Mason Moore had 3 tackles and 3 assists, and Daylan VanFleet and Ethan Dinges each had 5 tackles and an assist to lead the 'Cats. Case Butler tallied 3 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and 2 assists. Brayson Harris had a tackle, a tackle for a loss, ½ sack, an interception, 2 assists, and blocked the field goal attempt. Briar Hampton had a tackle, an assist, and 3 ½ sacks. Jagger Cruce had a tackle and 3 assists, and T.C. Kelley had 3 tackles. Wyatt Morris had a tackle, an assist, and a sack. Cayden Castleman had 4 assists, and Landen Smotherman had a tackle and 2 assists. Jacan Floyd had a tackle and a sack. Stan Ullman had a tackle, and Jaxon Bryant and Casey Franks each had an assist. Knox Bunch had 2 assists, and Braylen Martin had an assist and ½ sack.

Follow the 'Cats to McEwen to take on the Warriors Friday night. “GO WILDCATS!”---Submitted by Susan Gallian