BISMARCK - It was an exciting week for Rison Junior High head coach Brandon Godfrey and the Wildcats, as he and his wife welcomed their first child, a baby boy born Monday evening, followed by a Thursday night season-opening victory for his squad in a 42-28 decision over the Bismarck Junior High Lions.
The Junior 'Cats are scheduled to be in action again this Thursday night, when they host the England Junior High Lions in a non-conference game at George Walker Field of Champions. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 o'clock.
In the win over Bismarck, the Junior 'Cats leaned heavily on the right side of the offensive line, with good blocking credited to Dedrick Wells, Rowdy Phillips and Travis Mitchell.
Defensively, the Wells twins, Darrien and Dedrick, along with Tanner Collins and Ethan Saeler were cited for solid play on that side of the ball.
Rison opened the game with a bang, when quarterback Tyson Walker, on a keeper, raced 65 yards for a touchdown to give the 'Cats a quick lead. Later, Walker teamed up with Saeler on a 50-yard pass play for a touchdown that extended Rison's advantage.
Following a big defensive stand by the 'Cats when the Lions advanced deep into Rison territory, Kyson Fletcher dashed 82 yards for a touchdown that padded the lead to 22-0.
Walker added a short TD plunge along with a 70-yard kick return for a touchdown in the second half. However, after Bismarck scored a touchdown, the Lions covered an onsides kick and added another TD to make it a one-score game.
Anticipating another onsides kick from the Lions, "good hands" players were moved up on the front line for Rison. Walker grabbed the kick and raced 50 yards for Rison's final TD and breathing room for the Wildcats, 42-28, late in the game.
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