Written by: Nick Debose
The Sherman Bearcats got their first district win of the year with a 38-17 victory over the Wylie East Raiders. Sherman made explosive plays on offense, cause turnovers on defense, and scored points in multiple ways on special teams to move to 1-0 in district play and 3-2 overall.
The Bearcat offense was led by junior quarterback Phoenix Grant. Grant, had 298 total yards of offense (202 passing and 96 rushing) and scored three touchdowns (2 passing and 1 rushing). The passing game was set up by a steady rushing attack led be junior running back Caleb Thompson. Thompson, was a work horse for the Bearcats carrying the rock 20 times for 129 yards and two scores.
Junior wideout Aries Jones led an explosive receiving core with 9 catches for 90 yards and a score. It felt good to bounce back from last games lost. Everyone paid attention, locked in, and did better than last week" Jones. Elijah Chapman had a big night with 3 catches for 71 and a nice catch and run for a touchdown.
The Bearcat defense shut the Raiders offense out in the first half. Even when Wylie East tried to make a run in the second half the Bearcats got key stops and turnovers to seal the victory. Junior defensive back Connor Clark and Senior cornerback Josiah Banks both recorded second half interceptions to end Raider drives.
Wylie East had some bright spots including a strong second half where they scored all of their points. Junior athlete Terry Washington Jr led the Raiders offense with 161 yards rushing and a touchdown. Washington, had an electrifying 71-yard touchdown run. Junior wideout Charis Jackson showed off his track speed on a 52-yard touchdown run. The Raiders defense was led by Texas A&M commit junior defensive lineman Anthony Jones II.
Sherman will host Highland Park and Wylie East will travel to Longview to paly the lobos next week.