The Waynesboro Middle School Wildcats played their final two regular season games last week. Taking wins from a hard-hitting Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, and a tough, passing Loretto team on Thursday, ensured that the ‘Cats would see championship play this Thursday against the Raiders of Richland. Richland beat the ‘Cats earlier in the season, and the ‘Cats are ready for a re-match.
On Tuesday, the ‘Cats traveled to Mt. Pleasant for a “Covid” make-up game. The ‘Cats came determined for a win and ready to play. The Wildcats shut the Tigers out with a score of 28-0. Mt. Pleasant received the opening kickoff, but they were unable to get anything going offensively. The ‘Cats scored their first touchdown by Drew Bevis with 1:07 left in the 1st quarter, and Sayler Skelton added the 2-point conversion. The ‘Cats would take the lead, 8-0. Neither team would score again in the first half, and at halftime, the ‘Cats still led 8-0. With 2:18 left in the 3rd, Cayson Castleman scored the second TD of the night bringing the score to 14-0, ‘Cats. On the onside kick, Daylan Van Fleet forced a fumble that was recovered by Brady Stooksberry. The ‘Cats would take the ball back over and the lead was still 14-0 as the 3rd quarter expired. A minute and 57 seconds into the 4th, Sayler Skelton added the next touchdown for the night, making the score 20-0, ‘Cats. Mt. Pleasant’s next offensive drive ended with a turnover via a Baker Bryant strip of the ball and 57-yard return for a TD. Mikayla Mynes would execute the 2-point conversion bringing the score to 28-0, ‘Cats. The Wildcats held on to win with a final score of 28-0.
The offense collectively rushed for 257 yards on 42 carries and had 3 touchdowns. Drew Bevis pounded his way for 124 yards on 24 carries to include one touchdown. Sayler Skelton gained 87 yards on 10 carries to include one TD and one 2-point conversion. Cayson Castleman saw 45 yards rushing on 8 carries to include 1 touchdown. Mikayla Mynes added a 2-point conversion. Baker Bryant added a touchdown from a fumble recovery. Daylan Van Fleet gained 2 yards on 1 carry, and Brady Stooksberry lost a yard on a carry.
The Wildcats’ defensive line was on point and did not allow the Tigers very many play opportunities. Cayson Castleman led the ‘Cats defense with a solo tackle, an assist, and 2 tackles for loss. Drew Bevis had 2 assists and a tackle for loss. Brayden Littleton had 2 solo tackles. Dominic Donahue had 2 assists. Sayler Skelton, Daniel Pike, and Daylan Van Fleet each had a solo tackle. Kolby Ray had a solo and an assist. Dane Bryant had a tackle loss and caused a fumble. Brady Stooksberry had a solo tackle, a pass break-up, and 2 fumble recoveries. Baker Bryant had an assist, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery that he returned 57-yards for a touchdown.
On Thursday, the WMS Cats traveled to Loretto to face the Mustangs. The winner of this match would go on to the championship game. The ‘Cats found themselves trailing at halftime with a score of 14-6. With 3:13 left in the 3rd, the ‘Cats caught back up with Loretto and tied the game at 14. The 3rd quarter ended with no additional points by either team. In the 4th, Loretto took the lead with a TD, but the ‘Cats had an answer with a Cayson Castleman TD and a 2-point conversion by Skelton. Brady Stooksberry sealed the deal when he picked off a pass by the Mustangs with a little less than 2 minutes left in the game. The ‘Cats took a knee for their set of downs to end the contest. The ‘Cats walked away with the victory score of 22-20.
Cayson Castleman had an amazing night leading the ‘Cats offensively. He had 100 yards rushing on 9 carries. He had 2 touchdowns and a 2-point conversion. Drew Bevis had 62 yards on 14 carries. He was 1 for 4 passing with a 10-yard pass reception to Cayman Camfield. Sayler Skelton gained 65 yards rushing on 17 carries to include 1 TD and a 2-point conversion. Daylan Van Fleet gained 19 yards on kickoff returns. Collectively, the ‘Cats rushed for 227 yards on 40 carries to include 3 touchdowns.
Cayson Castleman also led the Wildcats on the defensive end. He had 5 solo tackles and an assist. Sayler Skelton and Brady Stooksberry each had 2 solos and 2 assists. Stooksberry also had an interception. Drew Bevis had 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, and a tackle for loss. Dane Bryant and Baker Bryant each had a solo tackle and 2 assists. Dominic Donahue, Brayden Littleton, and Case Butler each had an assist and a solo tackle. Daylan Van Fleet, Daniel Pike, and Rylan Durbin all had an assist each.
The WMS Wildcats finished their regular season with 7 wins and 1 loss. The Wildcats will be traveling to Richland to face the undefeated Raiders for the Championship bowl game. Kickoff is at 6:30. Come out and support these hard-working athletes. Go Cats!!—Submitted
Photo Credits: Lynn and Heather Warren
