Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens was told that the Wildcats only gave up 147 total yards to Greenville in Friday night’s 25-13 Lions’ win at Gerald Prim Stadium. The Wildcats defense allowed only one touchdown. The Lions added an interception return for a touchdown and two kickoff returns for scores. Coach Owens said the Wildcats played phenomenal defense. They allowed 110 rushing yards and 37 yards passing. He said the Wildcats defensive front played very well. He mentioned the play of defensive tackles D’Andre Peoples and Cameron Kaufert. Coach Owens also praised the play of inside linebackers Ryan Carrillo and Eleazar Brena, outside linebacker Kylan Wade and cornerback Dominique Sims. Coach Owens called Wade an exceptional gifted athlete. He said Brena smoked a Greenville running back on one of the game’s first plays and that set the tone for the Wildcats defense. He also noted a big hit by Sims on a Lions’ receiver. Coach Owens also had kudos for three offensive players. He said right guard Alfredo Olavide graded out well for his play. Coach Owens also liked the running on senior Da’Korian Choc Sims. He said Sims had good vision and was patient running the ball. A long run by Sims set up the Wildcats lone TD. Coach Owens also liked the contribution of back up quarterback Noe Ponce. Ponce came in after starter Kaden Wallace was injured. Coach Owens said Ponce does not usually get a lot of reps at quarterback in practice. He said Ponce stepped in and ran the offense. Ponce led the Wildcat to their only touchdown. Coach Owens said Ponce also did a good job of punting, keeping the ball away from a dangerous Lions’ return man. He said kicker Brandon Zavala came up big hitting two field goals and Coach Owens said holder Campbell Cody also did a good job in the rain. He said again the Wildcats played hard. Next for the Wildcats is Kaufman on the road. Kaufman is coached by a former Wildcat assistant Jeramy Burleson. With no playoff possibilities for the Wildcats, Coach Owens said he will tell his team that they need to finish what they started. In 14 years under Coach Owens, this is only the third year the Wildcats have missed the playoffs.
