Wildcat football is officially back in order! The West Ranch varsity football team kicked off the team’s home opener in convincing fashion on Aug. 23, running through Nordhoff 55-14.
With Walker Eget under the helm at QB looking to live up to the legacy of the previous Egets, the Wildcats looked dominant and destructive. The team came out the gates firing on all cylinders, capping off with an opening drive touchdown pass to Zach Van Bennekum.
Though Nordhoff answered back with a quick score, this would be the last time the Rangers would have an offensive breath of air. The Wildcats would enter the half up 20-7. After the half concluded, the demolition continued. West Ranch proceeded to score several more offensive touchdowns, as well as a pick-six. The game ended with a lopsided score of Wildcats 55, Rangers 14.
Despite several playmakers from last year having graduated, there were some new Wildcats ready to step up. Walker Eget, the third of the sensational QB brothers Wyatt and Weston, posted 369 yards and 3 touchdowns with only two interceptions through the air, as well as a quarterback rating of 129.6. Running back Reiger Burgin looked excellent, compiling 162 yards off 20 carries. Also making noise during the game was the receiving core. Led by Nicholas Kohl’s 131 yards and Matt Striplin’s 76 yards the unit looked much improved in depth from a season ago. The Wildcat defense also stepped up, holding Nordhoff to 364 yards and forcing three turnovers.
After the game, Coach Varner praised the defensive effort.
“They did a good job. We’re young in some spots and a couple of those kids stepped up, and I’m proud of them.” He also noted that the team could improve by cutting down on some of their own mistakes.
The Wildcats continued their win streak last Friday by taking another victory, 55-10, against Granada Hills.