The Waynesboro Middle School Wildcats hosted the Collinwood Middle School Trojans for their last regular season home game on Thursday. Despite the efforts of the Trojans, who led for more than 30 minutes of the 32-minute contest, the ‘Cats pulled away in the last few minutes of the game to seal the deal and take the victory.
WMS won the toss and deferred to the second half. Collinwood returned the WMS kick-off up to their own 46-yard line. The Trojans’ offense dominated the time of possession and held the ball the entire first quarter. Collinwood finally scored at the 6:39 mark of the 2nd quarter. Collinwood led 8-0. The ‘Cats first offensive possession resulted in a turnover on downs. The Trojans were able to move the ball on their next offensive possession, but time would expire before they were able to put any points on the board. Collinwood led 8-0 at the half.
The Trojans were penalized on the opening second half kick-off, giving the ‘Cats their offensive possession starting on Collinwood’s 45-yard line. WMS drove down the field, and Skelton scored on the QB keeper from 3-yards out. The 2-point conversion attempt failed. Collinwood led 8-6 with 3:15 left in the 3rd quarter. The ‘Cats attempted an on-side kick, and the CMS Trojans recovered on their own 42-yard line. The Trojans’ offensive possession resulted in a turn over on downs. WMS took over at the Collinwood 44-yard line as the 3rd quarter ended. Score remained 8-6, Trojans.
In the 4th, WMS made it down to the Trojan 10-yard line before turning it over on downs. The Trojans’ drive resulted in a punt back to the ‘Cats. WMS started on their own 46-yard line. On the first play of the drive, Skelton went 54-yards on a reverse to score a TD. The 2-point conversion was good, bringing the ‘Cats in the lead with 1:11 on the clock. The Trojans were unable to answer before time ran out. The final score was 14-8, Cats.
The ‘Cats offense collectively saw 136 yards rushing on 23 carries to include 2 touchdowns. Drew Bevis had 64 yards with 12 carries. He was 1 for 2 passing with a 24-yard pass reception to Sayler Skelton. Skelton saw 55-yards rushing on 6 carries to include 2 TD’s and a 2-point conversion. Cayson Castleman moved the ball 17 yards on 5 carries.
The defense was led by Drew Bevis who had 6 solo tackles and 3 assists. Brayden Littleton had 2 solos, 1 assist, and 5 tackles for loss. Sayler Skelton had 4 solo tackles and 3 assists. Baker Bryant had 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, and a tackle for loss. Cayson Castleman had 4 solos and 2 assists. Dominic Donahue had 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, and 1 tackle for loss. Dane Bryant contributed 1 solo tackle and 2 assists. Daniel Pike had 2 solo tackles. Brady Stooksberry, Case Butler, Austin McFadden, and Mikayla Mynes all had as assist each.
The ‘Cats will have their last two regular season games this week. They are scheduled to travel to Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday for a “Covid” make-up game and then travel to Loretto on Thursday. Come out and support these young athletes. Go Cats!—Submitted
Photo Credits: Lynn and Heather Warren
