The Wildcats have faced a turnover problem this season, but in the first round of the 7A playoffs the Wildcats did not turn it over at all. This resulted in a 42-7 victory over the Little Rock Central Tigers. The defense showed great strength only allowing the Tigers to score in the first quarter. The Wildcats hope to put up the same fight against the Rebels.
“I think if we come out focused and playing as hard as we did against Little Rock Central we can come out with a win against Southside in the next round of the playoffs,” said junior nose guard Brock Dassero.
The Wildcats now look forward to traveling to Ft. Smith and playing the Southside Rebels in a stadium where the Wildcats have never tasted victory.
“It doesn’t matter, we’ve always had real good games with Southside. They’ve always been a battle,” said running back coach Greg Simpson. “They’re a good ball club and we are too, so whoever’s the best on that night is gonna win.”
Earlier in the season the Wildcats defeated the Rebels in a regular season match-up resulting in a 10-7 victory.
“The only reason they scored was in the fourth we gave up a 56 or 60-yard pass and they ended up pushing it in for a touchdown, so really we played pretty good. We just we gave up that long pass,” said outside linebacker Peyton Squires.
The Wildcats are feeling confident going into round two of the playoffs. Both the players and coaches understand that both teams have matured since the last time they met.
“I think if we go out there and play our best, we could come out with a win,” said junior wide receiver Matt Garrison. “We just have to take care of the ball and try to not turn it over throughout the game.”