Wildcats to hit the road to face Herscher

The Wildcats will look to keep their winning momentum rolling Friday night when they travel to Herscher for their second conference clash.
Both teams come in with identical 2-1 records, setting up what should be a hard-fought matchup.
The Tigers are coming off a big 28-23 victory over Manteno last week, scoring 14 points in both the second and third quarters before holding off a late Panthers surge.
Herscher leaned on a balanced offensive attack, with quarterback Tanner Jones (#1) completing 5 of 9 passes for 45 yards and running back Mason Roberts (#25) having his best game yet with 189 all purpose yards with a 32-yard kick return and 101 yards rushing with two touchdowns.
Alex Draper (#22) is another threat, averaging 83 yards per game rushing, including 90 yards against Manteno. Jaxon Sukley (#45) continues to provide consistency in the backfield, averaging 55 yards per game rushing.

Herscher’s only loss came to undefeated Bishop McNamara, 45-28.
The Wildcats will counter with their trademark rushing attack, which has steamrolled opponents through the first three weeks of the season. Wilmington has piled up 1,043 yards on the ground compared to just eight through the air, with senior standout Ryan Kettman leading the way.
Kettman has already racked up 449 yards on just 32 carries, averaging 14 yards per attempt, and finding the end zone seven times. Quarterback Billy Moore has provided an added dimension with 145 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while Hunter Kaitschuck has chipped in 114 yards and two scores.
In total, Wilmington has outgained opponents 1,051 to 728 in yardage, averaged 44 first downs to 37, and converted third downs at a 66.7 percent clip.
The Wildcats’ defense has been equally stout, allowing just 46 total points all season. Senior linebacker Zach Ohlund has anchored the unit with 29 total tackles, including five for loss, while Kaitschuck (21 tackles), Logan Van Duyne (17 tackles, 3 TFL), and Declan Moran (16 tackles, 3 TFL) have formed a formidable core.
Nate Cupples has added 17 tackles and an interception, while Finn Bryant came up with a momentum-swinging interception against Peotone.
Both teams know how important this matchup is for positioning in the ICE conference. Wilmington has outscored opponents 109–46 through three games. Herscher, meanwhile, has proven it can win tight contests, holding off Manteno in a back-and-forth battle. The Tigers have been lethal on kick returns so Wilmington’s special teams play better be up to speed.
As long as the ‘Cats grind up the clock and the field with long possessions they should be able to win this one.