Wildcats figure to be in the playoff, region title hunt

Whitewater head coach Amos McCreary recently stated that he has been “real pleased” with his team during practices and their conditioning in the off-season.

“We have some holes to fill and questions to answer,” McCreary said. “If we progress like we think, we’ll be in the hunt. Like everyone else.”

The Wildcat offense returns three starters, split end Jeffrey Ashley and tackles Andrew Dean and Taylor Halpin. All three players are seniors and good play from them could make things easier on the running backs.

“Ashley has played varsity since his sophomore year and could be the top player in the area,” said McCreary, adding that he has an offer from the Air Force Academy and is also being recruited by Wofford.

Running the ball for the Wildcats this year will be junior Joshua Clemons and senior fullback J.T. Thomas. Clemons was a little banged up last year but McCreary thinks he could be as good as any tailback in the area.

Leading the offense will be junior Renaldo Jenkins, a member of the Whitewater basketball and baseball teams. McCreary stated that Jenkins has good quickness and athleticism. Another player who might take some snaps for Whitewater is sophomore John-Mark Rhodes.

“Our offensive line should be one of our strengths,” said McCreary. “These guys played a fair amount last year and are experienced.”

Defense has traditionally been a strong point for Whitewater, but the Wildcats have some big shoes to fill with several linebackers, including Zac Mann, graduating last spring. Blake Jaurigue will play outside linebacker for Whitewater this year. He was a starter last year and his brother, Jonah, was a member of the football program in past years as well. Also playing linebacker this year for Whitewater will be Lance White and Clay Brooks, who missed all of last season after sustaining an injury in the jamboree.

Other returning starters on defense include senior defensive end Chuck Servance, senior defensive tackle Ryan Nolan and Dean.
“We’ll look to Andrew the most,” said mcCreary of his three year starter.

Ashley will also play on defense in the secondary and he will be joined by Chris Ford, last year’s starting cornerback.
Handling kicking for Whitewater will be Dylan Johnson, a senior that McCreary thinks is one of the best in the region. Ryan Hurst, another senior, will be the punter for the team. There are several possible candidates on the squad to play as kick and punt returners.

Whitewater is an established system and McCreary sees that his players take pride in the program and that has led to the team being successful. Since playing a region schedule in 2006, the Wildcats have amassed an overall record of 23-10 and have made the playoffs all three years.

Returning to the playoffs won’t be easy. Before starting sub-region play on Oct. 2 against Sandy Creek, they play three straight road games and take on Carrollton, a team that made the second round of the state playoffs last year.

McCreary thinks that Sandy Creek gets the nudge as the favorite in the region right now.

“They just re-load year after year,” he said, adding “Starr’s Mill should have a good season, Upson Lee will be improved, Mays is good and Carrollton is still a powerhouse.” Like all of the coaches in the sub-region, McCreary also knows that Northgate, Fayette County and McIntosh are improved as well. Every Friday night will be a battle, but the Wildcats are ready, knowing their streak of playoff appearances is on the line.