5A

Week Ten 5A Team of the Week: Walnut Grove Wildcats

by
Adam Ogburn
November 6

5A Team of the Week: Walnut Grove Wildcats

Not only was 2024 Walnut Grove’s first-ever season in a UIL district, the Wildcats also found themselves in arguably the toughest 5A district in the state.

They came out of the gates on fire, knocking off 2023 state semifinalist Emerson before winning three more games by four scores or more.

And although they fell to Anna in mid-October, they responded with a big win over Lovejoy in week nine.

Evidently, the Wildcats weren’t done raising eyebrows across the state. This past Friday, Walnut Grove freshman quarterback Hayes Hackney flourished with 380 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Wildcats knocked off Melissa 37-28.

It was a stunning result that sealed Walnut Grove the district title and also eliminated Melissa from playoff contention.

As time expires in the half, @Hayes12J Hackney hits @_LukeWatkins for the TD to tie the game at 28.@WGHSFootball got the 37-28 win over Melissa, and Hackney-to-Watkins is our 𝑭𝑹𝑰𝑫𝑨𝒀 𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 𝑭𝑶𝑶𝑻𝑩𝑨𝑳𝑳 Play of the Game #1.

FULL BROADCAST: https://t.co/McmqyuqQ3B pic.twitter.com/RAqeRBahxw

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) November 2, 2024

The Wildcat passing game was a thorn in Melissa’s side all night. Zaiden Crain was Mr. Explosive with two catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. Hayden Cooley was Hackney’s go-to receiver with eight catches for 113 yards, while Luke Watkins also had four catches for 71 yards.

The unsung hero though was Walnut Grove kicker Dominic Sciano. He made three field goals after halftime, which ended up being the difference in the contest.

Sitting at 8-1 on the year, the Wildcats have established themselves as a threat to make a deep playoff run in the 5A Division II playoffs this fall. They’ll look to enter the postseason with another win this Friday when they welcome Frisco Independence to town.