Cultivating Christian Minds and Character
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Winter 2008 Season
Tough Non-Conference Schedule Builds a Strong Team
It was Wildcats vs Wildcats Saturday afternoon as the 4-0 union Wildcats made the trip to Creve Coeur for the first time. Union is a strong and unique opponent known for a relentless passing attack, no huddle offense, constant use of onside kicks and almost never punting. WCA was well-prepared and turned the tables on Union early. While Union started the scoring with a 51 yard pass play after the Westminster Wildcats held them on three downs, but Union converted and scored on 4th down. They proceeded to kick off out of bounds and as Westminster took over Union showed an 8 man blitz look. Zach Dorton audibled from our own no huddle offense and hit Chris Bates on a quick slant and Chris quickly left the baffled blitzing Union defenders behind as he sprinted 65 yards to the goal line.
Then using a page from the Union playbook, Westminster called for an onside kick which was executed beautifully by Gregory Schoenberg. The ball went 10 yards, went high in the air and was recovered by Dominck Valli. You could not have executed it any better. A few downs later Valli finished the series by breaking a couple tackles and emerging from a swarm of bodies to run 35 yards to the end zone. After Schoenberg's kick, Westminster led 14-7 only 3:39 into the game.
While Westminster's aggressive play calling and no huddle offense caught them by surprise, the surprise didn't last forever as Union was able to stop Westminster twice on fourth and short situations. At halftime, Union only led by a touchdown as Westminster was able to stop the powerful Union offense several times. In the 3rd quarter Union was able to put two more TDs on the board and then one more in the 4th. WCA was able to answer with a 5 yard touchdown pass from Dorton to Daniel Kim in the fourth, but it was not quite enough.
Playing a state ranked team like Union in a non-conference situation will help our Wildcats prepare for some of the better teams that they will face in conference and districts. Union proved to be quick and slippery, yet their respect for our team showed as they abandoned some of their tricks and played in a more traditional manner.
Westminster faces 4-1 Trinity at home on Saturday. Trinity is gaining respect this year and will not be an easy opponent. Please come out and support the team.