WCHS Wildcats Lose to Houston Co., To Celebrate Homecoming on Friday

Thunderstorms and turnovers were the name of the game Friday night as the Wayne County High School Wildcats suffered a late game loss to the Houston County Fighting Irish, 20 – 14. The 'Cats scored first at the 8:05 mark of the first quarter on a punt fumbled by Houston County in the end zone. Daylan VanFleet recovered the ball for the score. With the kick, the 'Cats led 7 – 0 early in the contest.

They led 14 – 0, with 2:18 left in the first, when lightening halted the game and sent the teams to the locker room for a big-time delay. In the second half, the momentum changed as the Fighting Irish scored on their first two possessions, to tie the contest at 14 all. Houston County then scored the winning touchdown with under a minute left. The 'Cats are now 1 – 3 on the year and will open region action Friday.

The 'Cats gained 5 yards on their first series and punted the ball to Houston County. They fumbled it into the end zone and Daylan VanFleet came up with it for the touchdown. Freshman kicker Nathanial Hernandez hit the PAT. The Wildcat defense then forced a punt by Houston County, with the 'Cats getting the ball at their own 30. Four plays later, Avery Vaughn ran for 66 yards and a touchdown to put the 'Cats on the board again. Hernandez again hit the kick, to make it 14 – 0 with 2:18 left in the first as storms forced the delay.

Neither team could get their offense going as they returned to play. The ‘Cats forced another punt but couldn't move the ball. Houston County got the ball back on downs but couldn't move it either. The Wildcats came up with a big play on third down with Mason Moore breaking through and sacking the quarterback to force a punt. The 'Cats couldn't take advantage and went to the halftime locker room in the lead, 14 – 0. The Fighting Irish got the ball at their own 46 after the half and marched 54 yards in 6 plays, scoring from 18 yards out. They converted the 2-point conversion to make the score 14 – 8 less than 3 minutes into the second half. The 'Cats were forced to punt on their next series. Houston County got the ball at their own 25 and marched 75 yards for another score. They scored on a 4-yard run, but the touchdown was set up by a long pass completion. They failed on the 2-point conversion, so the score was tied at 14 all with 1:13 left in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter saw the 'Cats turn the ball over at the Irish 39, but the defense held, giving the 'Cats the ball back. They couldn't move it and punted it back. A short punt gave Houston County a short field. They went 36 yards in 7 plays, scoring from the one with only 59.2 seconds left to take the win, 20 – 14.

Avery Vaughn again led the 'Cats with 150 yards rushing on 20 carries and the one offensive touchdown. He also caught 2 passes for 33 yards. Drew Baugus had 2 carries for 10 yards and was 5 of 18 passing for 66 yards. Case Butler carried the ball 3 times for 11 yards, and Mason Moore had 2 carries for 2 yards. Daylan VanFleet had 1 carry for 8 yards and 2 pass receptions for 26 yards. Caysen Mosley had one catch for 17 yards.

The defense gave up 285 yards on the night and 3 rushing touchdowns. They were led by Daylan VanFleet with 6 tackles, 2 assists, 2 tackles for losses, and the fumble recovery for a touchdown. Mason Moore had 4 tackles, a sack, and 6 assists. Kayden Mitchell and Jaxon Bryant each had 3 tackles and 6 assists, and Cayden Castleman had 5 tackles and 3 assists. Jagger Cruce added 4 tackles and 4 assists. Ethan Dinges had 3 tackles and 2 assists. Case Butler had a tackle, 2 tackles for losses, and 2 assists. Jacan Floyd had 2 tackles and 2 assists, and Braylen Martin had 2 tackles for losses and 2 assists. Brayson Harris and Wyatt Morris each had a tackle and 2 assists, and Landen Smotherman had 2 tackles and a tackle for a loss. Keyton Green had a tackle and a tackle for a loss. Drew Baugus, Knox Bunch, and Briar Hampton each had a tackle, and Jayden Creacy and T. C. Kelley each had an assist.

Come out Friday night and cheer the 'Cats on to a “HOMECOMING '26” win, as Miss Caroline Reeves will be crowned “HOMECOMING QUEEN.” Game time is 7:00, with ceremonies preceding the game. “GET A WIN 'CATS!”---Submitted by Susan Gallian