Fast attack ‘Cats to square off against undefeated Seneca

The Wilmington Wildcats will hit the road Saturday to face a familiar foe — the undefeated Seneca Fighting Irish (10-0) — in the second round of the Class 2A football playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Seneca.
Seneca, led by head coach Terry Maxwell, captured the Chicagoland Prairie Conference title this fall behind a dominant ground game and stingy defense. Through 10 games, the Fighting Irish have outscored opponents 439–165, averaging more than 43 points per game while allowing just over 16.
Their widest margin of victory came in Week 3, a 50–0 shutout of Clinton, while their closest call was a 35–28 win over Genoa-Kingston in Week 4 — one of only two games decided by a single score.
The Irish rely heavily on a powerful rushing attack featuring #33 Cam Shriey, a 6’2”, 200-pound senior, who leads the team with an average of 150 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Ethan Othon (#2), a senior dual threat, adds 87 rushing yards per game, often keeping defenses off balance with read-option runs. The Wildcats must also defend against #3 Gunner Varland, another senior playmaker.
Seneca’s regular season included dominant performances: 47–6 over Chicago Christian; 50–17 over Dwight; 43–26 over Ottawa Marquette; 48–16 over St. Bede; but a close 39–36 win over St. Joseph-Ogden.
On Saturday the Irish extended their unbeaten streak to double digits by defeating Port Byron (Riverdale) 35-21.
The Wildcats enter at 9-1 overall after setting a school record for most points scored in a game with a 70–8 win over West Hancock in the first round.
Head coach Jeff Reents pulled his starters before half-time after Wilmington exploded for six touchdowns in just 10 plays. The victory marked yet another demonstration of Wilmington’s trademark depth and physicality — attributes that will be tested against Seneca’s balanced offense.
The last time these two teams played each other was the 2023 quarterfinal. In one of the most dramatic games in Wilmington history, the Wildcats edged Seneca 20–14 in overtime, surviving multiple goal-line stands and a blocked field goal before clinching the win on a three-yard touchdown run by Kyle Farrell.
The Wildcat defense included present-day starters Logan Van Duyne, Zach Ohlund, Ryan Kettman, who helped in the clutch to seal the victory. The Wildcats went on to win the 2023 2A state championship.
“Last time we were over there we had one of the best games I’ve ever coached,” said Wilmington coach Jeff Reents. “They beat us to start the season and then we beat them in overtime during the playoffs. So there’s some rivalry there. I know our guys remember that game and I’m sure they have a bunch who remember it too.”
And Reents knows that despite season records, anything can happen during the playoffs.
“We need to build off the last couple of weeks, first beating Coal City and then a round one win against Hancock. I was nervous about a let down after Coal City but we didn't have that. We’ve got to maintain that high level of play from here on out.”
Saturday’s rematch has all the makings of another classic — two run-heavy, disciplined programs meeting with postseason advancement on the line. Wilmington’s balanced rushing attack and playoff experience will collide with Seneca’s home-field advantage and undefeated record.