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PURPLE POWER: Miller flipping script at Willis
Since moving over from Spring High School, head coach Trent Miller has flipped the script at Willis, turning the Wildkats into a juggernaut team in year two.
With DJ Lagway running Miller’s electric offensive scheme and a defense that has stepped up from last year, the Wildkats are sitting at 5-0, tied for first in district and their best start since 2016.
“This is the first time this team has been 5-0 in a 6A district,” said Miller. “Knocking off back-to-back playoff teams in Week 1 and 2 of district play and sitting at 3-0 in the district is something this town hasn’t seen in a while, so it’s been exciting.”
So what’s been the secret sauce to Willis’ hot start in year two?
“The biggest piece that was missing from last year to this year was having a full offseason period,” he said. “Building a program and a culture that does things the way we do things takes time.”
The offense has been the strength of this Wildkats team this year bringing back a star-studded unit.
“I think the big key is DJ being healthy," Miller said. "Last year he was banged up throughout the season and having him 100-percent has been huge. Bigger than that though, I think was being able to break down concepts on plays for the skill players and offensive lineman this offseason.
“Teaching them why we run these plays and what we are trying to do has made huge strides in our growth this year.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildkats have stepped up year over year and have come out with a chip on their shoulder.
“Defensively, the biggest jump we’ve made is the attitude, giving 100-percent every play," he said. "Our boys are hungry and have that -- sharks in the water mentality.”
Quarterback DJ Lagway (Florida-commit) is having an MVP-caliber season but Miller has been really impressed with some other athletes who have really upped their game.
“Starting defensively, Josiah Stephens is playing like an absolute monster," he said. "Having him make plays up front and getting some big time sacks, it’s been huge for our defense. Also, Brock Perry our middle linebacker has shed some weight and has been effective sideline to sideline hitting with some attitude.”
Miller also mentioned Imauree Holmes (ATH), Jermaine Bishop Jr. (ATH) and Carter Jenkins (DB), who are all playing at a high level right now in the secondary.
Offensively?
“Debraun Hampton is a guy who’s having a breakout year at wide receiver," he said. "The development to his game that he made in the offseason is showing. Jermaine Bishop Jr. as a two-way player has been that spark on offense when we need a big play."
Terri Lawerence (RB), Jalen Mickens (WR) and Daylion Robinson (ATH) have all been having big year’s so far for the Wildkats and have Miller feeling good about the offense.
The undefeated Wildkats and Miller have the Willis community believing and the Friday Night Light vibes are spreading throughout the town and school.
“The beauty of being in a one-horse town is that everybody feeds off each other, good or bad,” Miller said. “With the success all the programs are having right now at Willis, it trickles down to everyone. Everybody is drinking the same kool-aid right now.”
SUPER SOPH: Bishop Jr. continues family tradition at Willis
WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL HAS BECOME A HOTBED FOR NEXT LEVEL TALENT IN THE SPAN OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WHICH HAS THE WILDKATS PRIMED FOR A BIG YEAR.
While some athletes have moved in from other schools, their home-grown talent have deep roots. Much like DJ Lagway, Jr., Jermaine Bishop, Jr. grew up a Willis Wildkat – going to games and loving the purple and black.
“A lot of family members have influenced my love for football,” he said. “I started playing very young and have never looked back. My family and community has been very supportive.”
Speaking of his family, his father Jermaine Bishop was a standout athlete for Willis, and his cousin, Michael Bishop, was a Wildkat legend. The Bishop name put Willis on the map, especially when Michael thrived at Kansas State and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1998.
For Jermaine, living up to the Bishop family name is an honor. The life-lessons learned from his Dad and cousins inspire his game today.
“It’s a huge honor to rep the Bishop name,” he said. “There’s always a target on your back when you have that family legacy, but I just embrace it. They’ve taught me the right mindset and work ethic to do this at the next level.”
As a freshman on varsity, Bishop burst onto the scene winning the District 13-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He tied for first in the district interceptions and subsequently blew up this Spring as a high- level recruit.
“Last year was a great experience... truly, it was just a blessing,” Bishop said. “The guys welcomed me onto varsity and helped me start my journey.”
After his freshman year, Bishop, Jr. saw his recruitment explode. He picked up a dozen Power-5 offers in the offseason.
What has the rise to stardom been like for the rising sophomore?
“It’s honestly a dream come true,” Bishop said. “It’s just a blessing for my family and myself. I try to stay humble, keep a good mindset and just be a guy the younger players can look up to.”
Much like the other Bishops who came before him.