The Lake Highlands Wildcats improved their district 9-5A record Friday night by beating the Richardson Eagles, 27-7.

Contrary to other games this season, the ‘Cats got off to a quick start on both offense and defense.

Defensively, the Wildcats held Richardson to just one first down in the first half, and it happened to come on the first play of the game.

The Eagles managed only 24 total yards in the first half of play.

Wildcat Defensive Coordinator, Jeff Smith commented on his unit’s performance Friday night.

“We are doing the little things, and it’s those little things that make us better,” said Smith. “We haven’t done anything major to change things up, just minor adjustments.”

“The biggest thing is that these young men believe in what we are doing and have bought in,” he continued. “As a coach, it’s enjoyable to see it start to click as the players gain confidence and execute.”

Most impressive about the Wildcats defensive performance over the past couple of weeks is the fact that they are performing so well, despite having several starters sidelined with injuries.

“Injuries have crept in here of late,” said Coach Smith. “We've had to fill some holes the past couple of games, and I’m really proud of several of these young men who have risen to the occasion.”

"Avery Hatcher came in at strong side linebacker and has really played well,” said Smith. “Diondre Fudge, Quincy Lane and Jalen Broussard have really stepped up their game in the defensive backfield as well.”

The Wildcat offense, meanwhile, led by senior quarterback Ricky Zorn and junior running back Desmond Roland, picked up right where they left off against Berkner.

The first score on the night was the longest scoring play of the year for the Wildcats. Zorn hit Roland for a 59-yard TD pass and on the next series Zorn scored again, this time on a 1-yard keeper.

Zorn connected with Roland again in the second quarter, bringing the score 21-0.

Halftime festivities included a great performance by the Highlandettes, Wildcat Marching Band and, of all things, the University of Oklahoma band, as well.

The second half began with an Eagles' possession, and they were able to move the ball well in the third quarter.

Richardson put their first and only points on the board after a 70-yard drive ended in a rushing touchdown by district 9-5A leading rusher, DJ Jackson.

While Jackson leads the district in rushing yards, and ranks among the top running backs in the area, the Wildcat defense held Jackson to his season low of just 66 yards on 20 carries.

Senior Wildcat kicker, Jason Dann would account for all six of the Wildcat’s second half points after connecting on two field goals of 32 and 36 yards.

Final stats showed the Wildcats with a total of just under 420 yards on offense, while the ‘Cats defense held the Eagles to just 151 total yards.

Next week, the Wildcats return to the Boneyard for Homecoming and will face off against W.T. White. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

GO 'CATS!