Photo by Kyle Ransleben, The Crimson Connection
Four lost fumbles doomed the Cy Woods Wildcats on Thursday night as they fell 27-9 to the Cy Springs Panthers to open their 2017 campaign.
And so for the first time ever, Cy Woods lost to Cy Springs in a varsity football game. This is also the first time that Cy Woods has been held to single digits in a game since they were trounced 51-7 by Katy in the area round of the 2013 playoffs.
The Cats have handled the Panthers rather effortlessly in the past, but this affair would be a little daunting, considering the firepower that Springs brought back for 2017. Their Fantastic Four of Taye Barber, Leon O'Neal, Jah'marae Sheread, and Xayvion West showed why they are highly regarded players and they all impacted the game in a significant way.
This game was also a bit irritating because the Cats really did have a chance to steal it thanks to the Panthers' poor discipline; they just kept squandering those opportunities. Springs also came out on top because they managed to get a big play when they needed it. Kameron Chappell only had two catches, but they went for 40 and 34 yards. Jah'marae Sheread tallied 127 total yards on offense and scored on a 24-yard run and caught a 25-yard touchdown from Xayvion West. Springs had more than their fair share of penalties, but that was countered by the fact that they played a clean game on offense.
On the other hand, Woods couldn't capitalize on their big plays. Tory Spears had a 60-yard kickoff return and the offense proceeded to go three-and-out on the next series. They got into the red zone thanks to a late hit in the 3rd quarter but ended up turning the ball over by losing yet another fumble.
In switching to the triple-option offense, Woods hoped to control their tempo. It's a radical departure from the Wildcat teams of years past, which went 100 miles per hour all the time. To me though, there were times during this game where it felt that their pace was rather deliberate. I imagine that the deliberate tempo might have stemmed from running a new offensive system in a real game for the first time. Finding that happy medium in terms of tempo will be crucial.
On the bright side, Jackson Jones acquitted himself well in his first varsity football game. Colin Paterson and Mac Bird really shined on defense. That side of the ball should benefit greatly from the slightly toned-down pace.
All six sophomores listed on the roster saw playing time in this game, most notably Jackson, who took most of the reps at quarterback in the 2nd half. This still essentially a squad that is mainly relying on juniors and a few sophomores to play prominent roles. These kids will provide some electrifying moments. They'll also mess up quite a bit as well. The road back to contention will be arduous, but a few good breaks and an upset or two could get Cy Woods back into the top four.
Despite the result of this game, it's good to have football back. It's another step towards normalcy after the havoc wreaked by Harvey.
Scoring Summary
After Woods turned it over on their first offensive possession of the 2017 season, Jah'marae Sheread made them pay as he opened the scoring with a 24-yard run. The first Cy Woods points of the season came on a 30-yard field goal from Jared Swonke.
End of 1st quarter: Springs 7, Woods 3
The Panthers had the only scoring play of the 2nd quarter as Xayvion West connected with Sheread for a 25-yard touchdown pass.
Halftime: Springs 14, Woods 3
Just like they did in the first half, the Cats lost a fumble on their opening drive of the second half. Taye Barber made them pay one play later with a 4-yard touchdown run.
It took 35:47, but Jack Barrientez scored the first Cy Woods touchdown of 2017 with a 3-yard run.
End of 3rd quarter: Springs 21, Woods 9
On the Panthers' last drive of the night, Kevonne Hyde ran for 51 yards on a 3rd down and one play later, Xayvion West punched it in from a yard out for the final points of the game.
Final: Springs 27, Woods 9
Ground
In contrast to the Panthers, the Wildcats' longest offensive play was a 21-yard run from Dallas Caldwell. Bobby Dodson was quite effective in gaining yards in chunks.
But again.... turnovers kill.
All statistics are from Varsity Wires and are unofficial.
Bobby Dodson: 14 carries, 77 yards; 2 fumbles lost
Connor Faulk: 6 carries, 27 yards
Jack Barrientez: 12 carries, 20 yards, TD
Dallas Caldwell: 2 carries, 10 yards; 1 fumble lost
Jackson Jones: 3 carries, 6 yards
The Cats also lost another fumble that was not charged to anyone in particular (it falls under "TEAM" in the box score).
Air
Jack Barrientez started his first game at quarterback since... CFSA? Goodson? Ever?
Jackson Jones took over for most of the second half. The Cats will still pass, but it's going to be less prominent than ever before. Unfortunately, Jacob Kainer will be out of commission due to an injury he suffered in practice.
Jackson Jones: 6-12, 60 yards
Jack Barrientez: 2-2, 26 yards
Cullen Sherrill absorbed some big hits but he also made a couple of tough catches.
Cullen Sherrill: 3 catches, 52 yards
Connor Faulk: 3 catches, 20 yards
Dallas Caldwell: 1 catch, 14 yards
Jack Barrientez: 1 catch, 0 yards
Defense
It's early, but I think this team may not be bad at defense. Unfortunately, the Panthers got some big plays when they needed it, especially on third down.
Tackles
Mac Bird - 12 (7 assisted, 2.5 for loss)
Colin Paterson - 7 (3 assisted, 4.5 for loss)
4 Wildcats with 4 - Tory Spears and Derrick Brooks (all solo), Tyler Redgrave (3 assisted), Ryan Gilcrease 4 (all assisted)
Collin Fewox (all solo) and Jack Barrientez (all assisted) - 3
3 Wildcats with 2 - Matt Roberts (both solo), Austin Kennedy and Max Sweet (1 solo, 1 assisted)
Clancey Hall and Omar Acosta: 1 (both assisted)
Mac sacked Xayvion West for an 11-yard loss early in the third quarter.
Special Teams
Tory Spears fielded a kickoff 6 yards deep in the end zone and provided a bit of a spark with a 60-yard return in the second quarter. Unfortunately, the Cats went backwards on their ensuing drive. That might have been the longest kick return for Woods in at least a couple of years.
Tory Spears: 1 kick return, 60 yards; 1 punt return, 10 yards
Dallas Caldwell: 3 kick returns, 39 yards
Collin Fewox: 1 punt return, 19 yards
Arkievrick Vitatoe: 1 kick return, 19 yards
Jared Swonke's 30-yard kick in the opening quarter was the Wildcats' first points of the season. Greg Blaser's only official punt went for 36 yards and was downed inside the 20. He also had a 49-yard punt that was erased because he got run into.
Collin Fewox blocked a punt and the Cats were able to parlay that into a touchdown on their next possession.
Men of the Match
Mac Bird and Colin Paterson share the honors.
Good linebacker play has been missing for a few years at the Woods, but the two of them were active all evening and provided a huge spark for the Wildcat defense.
Looking Ahead
The Wildcats will face Cy Ridge on Friday, September 22 at 7:00 at Pridgeon. Cy Woods will be the visiting team in this contest.
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