The highly anticipated matchup between two top-10-ranked teams according to six-manfootball. com: #2 Whiteface Antelopes versus #9 Newcastle Bobcats ends in a “45-rule” at halftime as the Antelopes win 7622.
Midway through the first quarter, Newcastle’s wide receiver Keegen Voyles receives a touchdown pass to bring the Bobcats within two, 16-14. Whiteface blocks the extra point, then responds to the ‘Cats by scoring 32 points unanswered, creating a 48-14 deficit by the end of the first quarter.
Whiteface increases the lead in a variety of ways, either through the air with tight end Cesar Chavez’s 43-yard receiving touchdown, or on the ground with Jaxon Hodge’s and Luke Grensham’s rushing touchdowns, then a scoop-and-score by Ryland Jones.
“It’s important,” Whiteface Head Coach Jones said about getting a win over Newcastle, a top-10 opponent.
Continuing to hit their stride in the second quarter, Grensham rushed for two more touchdowns, bringing his total to three for the game, while adding 138 yards from the ground.
The offensive attack for the Antelopes was complemented by the defense forcing six turnovers, including five fumble recoveries.
“They just really like hitting people,” Jones said. “When they’re tackling, the other guys have got an eye for the ball, and they’re going to go after that ball.”
Playing a highly regarded team like Newcastle, it’s not just about getting wins for Whiteface, its also about seeing what else they can improve on versus top competition. The Bobcats’ passing attack exposed some areas for the Antelopes to improve upon.
“They made us work a little bit and made us open our eyes to some things we need to work on,” Jones said. “Oneon- one pass coverage, we need to work on that a little.”
Responding with two straight wins with an average margin of 57, since the narrow loss versus Borden County, the Antelopes are now ranked number one, and though coach Jones believes they feel like they’re “on target to do what we want to do,” he still keeps his team on edge.
“I don’t care what the polls say,” Jones said. “There’s somebody good enough to beat us, and we got to make sure we do what we do.”
Whiteface will have a bye week and return to action Oct. 23 to start their District 2-1A play versus Springlake Earth at 7 p.m. on the road.