Whitehouse’s football team secured a dominant 42-3 victory over Nacogdoches on Friday night, spoiling Nacogdoches’ homecoming festivities. This win moves the Whitehouse Wildcats to an overall record of 2-2 and an impressive 2-0 in District 6-5A DII play. The Nacogdoches Dragons now hold an overall record of 1-4 and are 0-2 in district competition.
Whitehouse wasted no time, receiving the opening kick and completing a 60-yard drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak from Cooper Lepsis. The successful extra point gave the Wildcats a 7-0 lead with 7:56 left in the first quarter.
Lepsis found the end zone for a second time, scoring on a 12-yard sprint up the middle. This touchdown was set up by a 44-yard pass from Lepsis to Amar’e Whitaker. The extra point extended Whitehouse’s lead to 14-0 with 5:15 remaining in the opening quarter.
Nacogdoches managed to get on the scoreboard early in the second quarter. Anderson Montes kicked a 32-yard field goal, making the score 14-3 with 11:43 left in the first half.
The Dragons mounted a 57-yard drive, penetrating deep into Whitehouse territory, but their progress was halted when Jaylan Garrett’s pass was intercepted by Askia Wade. The Wildcats capitalized on the turnover, with Lepsis connecting with Keaton Whittle for a 49-yard gain. This offensive push culminated in a 4-yard run by Christian Long, pushing Whitehouse’s lead to 21-3 with 4:23 remaining until halftime.
Before the close of the first half, Lepsis tossed a screen pass to Ka’Marion Hart, who ran it into the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown. This score gave the Wildcats a commanding 28-3 lead with 53 seconds left until the break.
Whitehouse continued to extend its lead in the third quarter. After Nacogdoches started with the ball, Whitehouse defensive back Malachi Allen intercepted a pass. This turnover led to an 11-yard touchdown run from Ja’Kayden Robbins, further widening the Wildcats’ lead to 35-3 with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter.
Later in the third quarter, Nacogdoches’ Jayden Ard made a diving interception at the 50-yard line. Despite this defensive play, Whitehouse’s offense continued its strong performance. Christian Long broke free for a 52-yard gain, and later capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, making the score 42-3.
Whitehouse’s defense forced another turnover, giving their offense the ball at the 43-yard line with just over a minute to play. Elijah Williams had a clear path to the end zone but was tackled at the 5-yard line. From there, the Wildcats took a knee to seal their 42-3 victory.
Overall, Whitehouse’s offense generated 458 total yards, with 278 yards rushing and 180 yards passing, while accumulating 21 first downs. Quarterback Cooper Lepsis completed 11 of 18 passes for 180 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also contributed significantly on the ground with 67 rushing yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Christian Long led the rushing attack with 83 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. In receiving, Amar’e Whitaker caught three passes for 72 yards, and Keaton Whittle had four receptions for 64 yards.
Nacogdoches concluded the night with 216 total yards, evenly split with 109 yards through the air and 107 yards on the ground, and recorded 13 first downs. Quarterback Jaylan Garrett completed 12 of 24 passes for 109 yards, throwing two interceptions. Tykedren Steadham led the Dragons’ rushing game with 17 carries for 90 yards, while Tycorius Steadman was the leading receiver with three catches for 39 yards.
Nacogdoches will have a bye week next, returning to action on Friday, October 9, for a home game against Texas High. Whitehouse will travel to Greenville on the same date, October 9.
