GAMES
RANKINGS
FALL WRAP: Willis Fall Sports saw Some Bright Spots
FOOTBALL
THE WILDKATS GET POSTSEASON WIN
The Willis Wildkats went 6-6 on the season under the direction of coach Michael Wall, finishing fourth in district play with wins over College Park and Oak Ridge.
The ‘Kats reached the postseason and won a first-round playoff game over Dekaney before falling to State Semifinalist Tomball.
Quarterback DJ Lagway threw for over 1,500 yards, rushed over 700 yards and accounted for 23 scores. He earned a second-team, all-district nod. Zach Rogers was named first-team, all district off of the offensive line and has earned a preferred walk-on spot at Texas A&M.
On defense, Jadarius Brown (Sam Houston signee) was the District’s Utility Player of the Year. David Soriano and Johnny McHenry were first-team linemen, Aiden Collier was a first team linebacker and De’Von Lovelady was a first-team defensive back. Collier was also first team, all-state at linebacker as well.
Second-teamers included offensive lineman Sean Calkin and linebacker Trevor Jones. Tight end Kory Ford, linebacker Macin Connell and DB Jayden Marshman were honorable mentions.
CROSS COUNTRY
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ‘KATS DISTANCE RUNNERS.
The future looks bright on the cross country landscape as the teams’ best runners were underclassmen.
On the girls’ side, freshman Joselyn Lira had the best finish in the district meet coming in 18th. The boys were paced by sophomore Jonah Beniquez, who finished 33rd.
VOLLEYBALL
YOUTH TO BE SERVED IN 2022.
It was a tough season for the Willis Wildkat volleyball team, playing in one of the toughest districts in the State of Texas. Each playoff eligible team in the district won at least one postseason game.
Coach Megan Storms’ team fought the good fight, but just fell short.
There were some bright spots, however, as Taylor Thomas earned another first-team, all-district nomination. Libero Caroline Woodfill and Georgia Everett were second-teamers. Reece Edmiston and Savannah Paske were honorable mentions. Woodfill and Paske will return next season with hopes of getting the Ladykats in the postseason conversation.
5 for 5K with Stephanie Keele
Stephanie Keele leads a young and talented Willis Wildkat Cross Country squad with tons of big-race experience. She ran a 21:48.80 in the district meet for a 28th-place finish. The mom of the group is great example on the course in the classroom. She's a top 10 student, overall.
VYPE caught up with the senior for a quick five questions to get inside the head of the 5K star at Willis High.
VYPE: Give us a fun fact about yourself?
KEELE: I have a twin brother. It's been awesome because I know he is always there for me. I haven't lived a day without him, and I would never change that.
VYPE: Do you have a job?
KEELE: Yeah, I work at Chiller Bee. It's a really fun job.
VYPE: What's the goal this year in cross country?
KEELE: I want our team to make it to Regionals. We were really close last year. My personal goal is to get under 20 minutes.
VYPE: How does cross country help you in the classroom?
KEELE: It's about routine for me. It keeps me focused. I wake up at 5 am and get to school to start working out. Then I'm in school and run some more after school. It keeps your head straight and it gives you the feeling that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.
VYPE: What have you learned over your four years in high school?
KEELE: Focus on what makes you happy, not other people. Be yourself and keep pushing. Always tell yourself, 'you got this'.