The Waynesboro Middle School Wildcats hosted the Eagles of Zion Christian for their season opener game last Thursday night. Under the direction of new first-year middle school coach, Ben Gallian, the ‘Cats were able to get their first win. Zion Christian fumbled and turned the ball over to the ‘Cats on their opening possession. Waynesboro took advantage of the turnover and scored on the first play of the game with a 17-yard touchdown run by quarterback Sayler Skelton. Dane Bryant took it in for the 2-point conversion, and the ‘Cats led 8-0. The Eagles turned the ball over on all of their possessions in the first half, resulting in a halftime score of 30-0, ‘Cats.
Zion Christian was able to put some points on the scoreboard in the 3rd quarter with a pass play and followed up with a 2-point conversion. Cayson Castleman took advantage of another Zion Christian turnover by picking up a fumble and running it back 47 yards for a ‘Cats touchdown. The fourth quarter allowed for several of the ‘Cats to see some action. The final score was 36-8, ‘Cats.
Offensively, the ‘Cats were led by Sayler Skelton with 4 carries for 115 yards and 3 TD’s. Cayson Castleman had 5 carries for 40 yards and a 2-point conversion. Drew Bevis had 3 carries for 16 yards. Dane Bryant had 2 carries for 14 yards, 1 TD, and two 2-point conversions. Dominic Donahue had 1 carry for 10 yards. Daylan VanFleet had 2 carries for 9 yards. Nate Bevis had 2 carries for 6 yards. Mason Moore had 1 carry for 1 yard. Ethan Dinges had 1 carry for no gain, and Brady Stooksberry had 2 carries for no gain. Collectively, the ‘Cats had 23 carries for 198 yards, 4 TD’s, and were zero for 1 passing.
Defensively for the ‘Cats, Daniel Pike had 1 tackle. Sayler Skelton had 5 tackles, 1 assist, and 1 pass deflection. Drew Bevis had 3 tackles and caused 2 fumbles. Brayden Littleton had 1 tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery. Corbin Reed had 1 tackle for a loss. Cayson Castleman had 3 tackles, 1 assist, an interception, and a 47-yard fumble return for a TD. Baker Bryant had 3 tackles and an assist. Austin McFadden had 3 tackles and an assist. Dane Bryant had a pass interception. Brady Stooksberry had an assist and an interception. Daylan VanFleet, Dylan Gobbell, and Case Butler each had 1 tackle. Rylan Durbin had a fumble recovery. Cayman Camfield and Lakota Hooker each had an assist. Ethan Dinges had 4 pass break-ups. The ‘Cats held the Eagles to 2 yards rushing and 85 yards passing.
The ‘Cats will be traveling this week to face the Richland Raiders. Game time is 6:30. Go ‘Cats!—-Submitted
