FRIDAY NIGHT REWIND: After rough start, Canadian looks like a state champion contender
The Canadian Wildcats began the year 1-2 with a lopsided loss to Bushland and an overtime loss to Elk City (Okla.). Things didn't look good given how high the expectations were for the Wildcats going into the season.
My oh my, how things have changed since then.
Canadian has dominated 10 straight.
That's not just hyperbole, the Wildcats' lowest scoring output in that run was 42 against Spearman in the regular season. The most points allowed was 28 against Childress, a game Canadian won by 34 points. The Wildcats have scored 70 points twice and the closest margin was the area playoff game against Early, which Canadian won 42-14.
So, to say Canadian has been dominant qualifies as an understatement.
Canadian's early season loss to Bushland was due in part to turnovers early in the game, which dug a hole the squad was unable to climb out of. The Elk City loss was by just one point — so, a play here or there may have changed the outcome.
As the Wildcats have gotten healthier throughout the season and built chemistry, on offense and defense, it's shown on the field.
Only three Panhandle teams remain in the playoffs with Canadian — Wellington and Happy.
It's about time we all acknowledge what should just be objective truth at this point: If any Panhandle team is going to win state in football, the Wildcats are the best bet.
There goes that man
Clarendon lost to New Home on Friday 14-8, bringing an end to the Broncos' season. It also brought an end to the career of Jmaury Davis, one of the best football players the Panhandle has seen over the past few years.
Davis has been a dominant running back, crushing teams while regularly putting up more than 100 yards each week. He'll be heading to Texas Tech next year to primarily play on the defensive side of the ball at either linebacker or safety.
Don't be surprised to see him still line up in the backfield, though.
Davis was the AGN Preseason Basketball Player of the Year and you can still find him playing on the hardwood this winter. You'll see him on Saturdays in 2023 and beyond, no doubt. But Friday afternoon saw an end to one of the best prep careers in recent Panhandle history.
It feels right to take a moment and appreciate that.
Come on, get Happy
The Happy Cowboys have been one of the best six-man teams in the state this season.
They lost the season opener to Westbrook 62-16 and have dominated their competition since. After a close first half against Nazareth on Friday, Happy pulled away for a 56-16 win.
This week, the Cowboys face what is undoubtedly their toughest test.
Happy will face off against Westbrook, for the second time, at 6 p.m. Friday at Slaton High School.
It's undoubtedly the hardest game the Cowboys will play this year.
If Happy can pull off the win, it will go to the state championship and should be favored to win. The Cowboys will have to get past Westbrook first.
Other bits and pieces
Bushland started off hot against Brock as it took a 27-7 lead. It couldn't keep it going as the Falcons lost 51-27. Still an outstanding season for Bushland all the same.
Spearman's magical postseason run came to an end with the 63-14 loss to Canadian. After winning three games in the regular season, the Lynx dominated their first two playoff opponents. For that, they deserve credit.
Nazareth deserves credit as well after it kept things interesting in the first half against Happy. The Swifts had an outstanding season and will continue to be a quality team moving forward.
Hart Pisani is a sports reporter for the Amarillo Globe-News. He can be reached at hpisani@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: FRIDAY REWIND: After rough start, Canadian looks like a state champion contender in Texas high school football
