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.
Brenan Mansker, Willis Tennis
LASER-FOCUSED: Mansker has Sights on his Grand Plan
Brenan Mansker has a plan. It's always been that way and that is the secret sauce to his success.
"I got my work ethic from my parents and I've taken it from there," he said. "I was taught at a young age to work for what you want. I went out and got a job to buy my first truck. That truck has led me to other jobs. That's my mentality. Just get me started and I will handle the rest."
The current Willis valedictorian works tirelessly in the classroom, on the tennis court and for one of the most powerful men in the country.
"I stacked my schedule," he said. "I'm taking five high-level core classes as a senior and playing tennis full time. I also am an intern for Congressman Kevin Brady."
Wait, what?
"My goal is to get into the Air Force Academy and it says a lot on an application if I'm the valedictorian and work for the Congressman that I'm getting a recommendation from."
Well, that makes perfect sense.
His goals on the tennis court are pretty simple in comparison to his long-term plan.
"I want to lead my team to the playoffs and I want to go to at least the second round of the district tournament," he said. He could go into politics someday, but his immediate goal is to get a degree in engineering, be an officer in the Air Force and work in military intelligence.
"That's the plan," he said. "Maybe in something like recognizance."
Well, your classmates, coaches and teachers obviously recognize you as a complete star as a student-athlete.