2012 Dogwood Circle Two-A-Day Tour: Cayuga Wildcats

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August 8, 2012

2012 Dogwood Circle Two-A-Day Tour: Cayuga Wildcats

By JUSTIN RAINS CNHI The Palestine Herald-Press Wed Aug 08, 2012, 03:49 PM CDT

BETHEL — The Cayuga Wildcats missed the playoffs in 2011, something unheard of in recent Wildcat fans memories.

The University Interscholastic League did the Wildcats a favor on realignment day, sending the Wildcats to Region II and out of Class 1A’s version of the “District of Doom.”

For the past two years, Cayuga went up annually against powers like Mart and Riesel. No more.

This year’s Cayuga team is, according to CHS coach Greg Jenkins, one of the most talented teams to come through since 2009. If you don’t remember that team let’s refresh: state champs.

That’s not to say this team is that team. There may not be a Malcome Kennedy or Traylon Shead on this squad. Just one of the most talented since.

The key to that talent will be depth as well as a strong defense. The Wildcats have to fill some holes in key spots, but should do so with some ease.

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Are they back? — Cayuga missed the playoffs a year ago and aren’t looking to turn it into a trend in 2012. They’ve got an easier road to the postseason than in years past, and expect them to take advantage of that. What kind of noise they can make once they get there is another question.

Jackson’s last stand — For the past two seasons, D’onte Jackson has anchored the Cayuga rushing attack. This year, he’s gunning for even more. The senior will be the main workhorse for the Wildcat offense and, after two-straight seasons over 1,000 yards, it’s very easy to see why.

A dominant D? — Cayuga has all of the makings of a strong defense heading into 2012. Led by star linebacker Don Holly — who is garnering Division I coaches’ attention — the Wildcats should be strong up the middle. With the addition of players like Jackson and Patrick Boxie on the corners, the pass defense should also be better. Plus, under former Palestine head man Glen Tunstall, they Wildcats have a coordinator that wants his defenses to attack.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chantz Holland, Sr./Chandler Rigdon, Jr., QBs — Up until now, Holland has been known more for what he’s done for the stellar Cayuga baseball team on the diamond. Rigdon moved to Cayuga with his dad, new CHS baseball coach James Rigdon. The pair are now fighting for the starting quarterback spot and whoever wins out will be big in helping keep defenses from keying in on Jackson and the run game.

THEY SAID IT

“We think this is the deepest team we’ve had. We like that the competition within ourselves will only make us better.”

— CHS coach Greg Branch, on his team’s depth

———

Sports editor Justin Rains can be reached via email at jrains@palestineherald.com

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2012 Dogwood Circle Two-A-Day Tour: Cayuga Wildcats

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