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Kylan Wade, Sulphur Springs senior wide receiver/defensive back, was lauded for his play Thursday in football scrimmage action against Liberty-Eylau. Wade will be one of the Wildcats called on to play both offense and defense this season. Photo by Don Wallace
Sulphur Springs
TEXARKANA — The Sulphur Springs Wildcats came up short on the scoreboard in three quarters of timed game situations in Thursday’s road competition against Liberty-Eylau.
The scrimmage was the final action before the start of the regular 2019 Wildcat football season.
“I was pleased with how the first offense and first defense played. Our defense shut them down in the first three or four drives. We only made one big mistake and let them complete a long misplay ball. Offensively, we moved the ball nicely. We took the opening drive and punched it in. We stalled out on the second drive,” said Greg Owens, Sulphur Springs head football coach.
“We moved the ball with confidence on offense. It was good overall,” Owens said.
Mentioned as standouts on the offense were quarterback Kaden Wallace, running backs Caden Davis and Da”Korian “Choc” Sims, and receiver Bryan Sanchez.
“Davis and Sims ran well. Wallace played with great poise. Sanchez had a good consistent night and ran some great routes. Our offensive line was solid in pass pro, but we need more physicality in the run game. Our receivers ran nice routes and caught the routine balls to move the chains. We need to improve blocking on the edge and win some tough balls and improve assignments,” Owens said.
The coach also saw good play from the Wildcat defense against the talented Leopards.
“Defensively we’re flying around a very active. Kylan Wade, Ryan Carrillo and George Greenway did a great job at linebacker; they were very active, played fast and tackled well. Dominique Sims and Detrick Clayton had a good night a corner. Chase Haney, our field general, played well at safety and is doing a great job mentoring sophomore Korderrian Turner. The defensive line showed improvement with more aggression. Cameron Kaufert and D”Andre People were very actiive,” Owens said.
Matt Young, Wildcats offensive coordinator, was also happy with his group.
“I was very pleased with our execution and game management. Wade made a nice catch. Giovanni Pizano had a nice night on the offensive line. We have work to do, but we’re making progress,” Young said.
Defensive assistant coach Kurt McCain said the Wildcats’ defensive play was highlighted by an interception by Colby Albritton.
“I thought we looked good against a very athletic team. Bryton Ruhter and Chad Maynard played well on the defensive line. Weston Fields and Albritton did a good job in the secondary. I’m excited abut how much potential our defense has this year,” McCain said.
Defensive coordinator Alex Guerra said, “I was very pleased with our effort Thursday night. We played aggressive and fast. I liked the play of Cameron Hargrave, who stepped up in the varsity action in a different position. I also felt like our defensive line did a great job. We preach second and third efforts with our guys, and they gave us just that. I am very excited about this group.”
Klint King, Liberty-Eylau head football coach, said he thought the competition was good for both squads.
King, a 2002 graduate of Sulphur Springs, is in his first year as head coach and athletic director.
Sulphur Springs will host Frisco Wakeland on Aug. 30 while Liberty-Eylau will play rival Arkansas High.