Second and third in District 6A-5, the Wildcats (6-2) and Farmers clash for the first time ever with playoff implications at stake for both teams. Guyer can lock in a playoff spot with a win in either of the team’s remaining games or a loss from Hebron and Marcus, but a win for the Farmers would guarantee a matchup against the winner of District 6A-6, which would most likely lead to a drama-filled rematch against the Allen Eagles.
Bouncing back with a 39-14 win against the Hebron Hawks (4-4), the Farmers will defend Max Goldsmith Stadium with a 5-3 record against a Wildcats team that is leading a three-game winning streak and exiting week eight after handling the Little Elm Lobos (0-8) with a final score of 49-21.
Prior to this year, Guyer was in what is now District 6A-6 with the Braswell Bengals and Little Elm Lobos. In prior district competition, the Wildcats have an overall record of 88-31 (74% win percentage).
“I think it takes more time understanding your [new] opponents,” offensive coordinator Nick Olla said. “Seeing what they do well and what you can take advantage of in terms of that.”
Led by senior quarterback and future Oklahoma Sooner Kevin Sperry, Guyer was able to gain 113 passing yards and two passing touchdowns on a low volume of nine completions. Sperry also threw what would be a rare interception for his standards, being his first since the team played the undefeated Coppell Cowboys in week five. Despite the low quantity of passes, Sperry is currently second in District 6A-5 passing yards with 1,472 yards, only behind Marcus’ sophomore quarterback Colton Nussmeier by seven yards.
On the ground, Wildcat’s senior running back Sterling Schneider led the team with 101 rushing yards on eight carries (12.6 yards per carry) and scored three touchdowns. Schneider is currently second in District 6A-5 rushing yards, accumulating 784 rushing yards and reaching the endzone for seven touchdowns.
“Mainly, we need to stop the run,” senior linebacker Jaiden Brown. “I feel like we’re being very good on defense. We’re executing our calls and making sure we’re there together as a team.”
Defensively, Guyer has built an immovable object that is their defensive line. The team’s top four defensive leaders in tackles for loss (TFLs) combined for a total of 44 TFLs. Junior linebacker Ryder Garcia has caused chaos in the backfield to gain 15/44 of the TFLs and sophomore defensive lineman Khyren Haywood has 13/44 TFLs; the two combining for 63% of the team’s tackles for loss. Garcia also leads the teams in tackles (66) and sacks (7.5) standing out as a leader for this defense.
“We have to make sure their [defensive] line gets blocked,” senior tight end Gabe Lewis said. “They have a pretty strong [defensive] line. We watched a lot of film on them, and have put in a lot of preparation.”
Leaving Brian Brazil Stadium victorious, the Farmer’s offense put up 357 all-purpose yards and four offensive touchdowns in the team’s win over the Hawks. Sophomore quarterback Tre Williams took a backseat in this game, completing 10 of 17 passes for 114 yards, a passing touchdown and an interception. Williams was able to handle the ball with few mistakes while the ground game was able to take over once again. Junior running back Tenel Hill exploded for another 100 yard performance, gaining 162 total rushing yards and two touchdowns. This game also cracked the 1,000 yard mark for Hill, setting him ahead of the second leading rusher in district, Schneider, with a 220 yard difference.
The Farmer’s defense and special teams continue to cause havoc for opponents on every level. Senior defensive ends Rhyan Sewell and Sean Oliver were able to invade the backfield and force seven tackles for loss and between each other, as well as Sewell sacking the opposing quarterback three times. These performances helped hold the Hawks leading rusher to 82 total yards on the ground and limited senior quarterback Patrick Crayton Jr. to 119 passing yards and two interceptions, both caught by senior defensive back D’Angelo King. King’s game didn’t end with the two interceptions, as he continues to be a playmaker on special teams, returning a muffed punt for a 58-yard touchdown, his third touchdown this year on special teams.
“The more we turn the ball over, the more we get our offense the ball,” Brown said. “I know our offense is going to punch in the ball regardless.”
The Wildcats stand just ahead of the Farmer’s in the standings and have proven to be a challenge in this district. If the Farmers want to prevail and establish themselves in the playoffs, the offense needs to be ready for a possible shootout, similar to the Coppell matchup. Defensively, the team needs to limit Sperry and not let him get away with making the most out of any situation. Whether that be limiting his rushing ability or make it harder for him to throw, limiting the quarterback will make Guyer’s offense easier to stop. While it can’t be an expectation, some magic made on special teams is always a good way to swing the momentum.
“I don’t think [Guyer is] really taking it seriously,” Brown said. “I think [Guyer] should take it seriously; we’re underdogs and we’re going to come out and win on top. Like we always do.”
*stats according to MaxPreps*
