For the first time this season, the Whitesboro football team will face an opponent from a larger classification Friday night.
The undefeated Bearcats host Class 4A Division II Bridgeport at 7 p.m. Friday at Bearcat Stadium. Whitesboro (2-0) is coming off a 42-22 win at Bells, while Bridgeport (1-1) will try to bounce back from a 54-6 loss to Bowie.
“They are a big, athletic team with a 1-1 record who has moments of really good football,” Whitesboro head coach Cody Fagan said. “In their win, they dominated the line of scrimmage and time of possession. In their loss, they did not protect the football, and it came back to bite them with several turnovers.”
The Bulls opened the season with a 38-0 victory against Gainesville. Quarterback Adrian Myers threw for 102 yards and a touchdown, while running back Wyatt Norton rushed for 69 yards and two scores.
“Offense is spread with 10 and 11 personnel with lots of downfield passing and power game in the box,” Fagan said. “They are not afraid to let their athletic quarterback run with the ball.”
In last Friday’s win at Bells, the Bearcats beat the Panthers at their own game. Whitesboro rushed for 234 yards, including a game-high 139 yards and three touchdowns from running back Justin Knight, while run-heavy Bells was limited to 213 yards on the ground.
“I think we demonstrated our identity,” Fagan said. “We are a spread team, but we use the spread to gain leverage in the run game. Our kids want to be known as a team that can run the ball no matter the opponent.”
The Bearcats also benefited from the passing of quarterback Colt Fagan, who completed 15-of-19 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Camron Howard had 10 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown, Rhett Fagan caught three passes for 34 yards and Ian Bruce had a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Defensively, Whitesboro had four players record double-digit tackle totals. Korbin Ross had 17 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a tackle for loss; Shayne Gabbert had 16 tackles; Elias Degraffenreed had 11 tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss; and Ryan Oden finished with 11 tackles.
“Our defense played phenomenal against a great running threat and forced five turnovers,” Fagan said. “Anytime you give your offense five extra possessions and force several more punts, you are going to have a great night on the scoreboard.”
Ross earned Player of the Game honors, while Gabbert and Knight were named the Defensive and Offensive Most Valuable Players, respectively.
Friday’s game will be Whitesboro’s home opener.
In addition to the varsity victory, Whitesboro’s JV Gold defeated Bells and JV Maroon beat Kingston, Oklahoma, last week. All three Whitesboro teams are 2-0.
“We must continue to worry about us and trying to be the most physical team for each and every snap on both sides of the ball,” Fagan said. “We are playing really well up front on both sides and have to establish our run game and demonstrate the ability to stop theirs.
“If our defense can keep pace with games one and two, averaging four takeaways each game, we can have a good night. Obviously, we must continue to protect the football and take advantage of special teams to capitalize on hidden yardage.”
