2. Mountain View Wildcats

 

When the final whistle blew on the Wildcats spring season, the Wildcats had to be thinking, "what could've been". Down 14-7 in thee Class 5D region championship Mountain View was flagged for a taunting penalty which made the XP attempt 15 yards longer the kick was missed and Mountain View eventually lost the game 21-19 after a failed 2 point conversion in the waning moments of the game. One can only think of what could have been if the taunting never occurred. You can chalk that penalty up to youth of the Wildcats this spring. Last season Mountain View had a lot of youth and a lot of questions. Three different Quarterbacks got starts last season for the Wildcats, this fact combined with Wildcats were relatively young and inexperienced on the Offensive line the Cats were expected to have growing pains. And they did, stumbling to a 1-3 start with their playoff hopes in jeopardy. However the Wildcats rebounded in a big way leaning on their defense which led the way pitching 2 shutouts in their last 2 regular season games and holding Patrick Henry to one TD in their playoff game. Ike Daniels nearly rushed for 1000 yards even with the youth on the offensive line. You may have noticed the word youth being used a lot in this summary. You know the good part about making it to a Regional Championship when your young? That youth turns into experience. The Wildcats are returning 17 starters from last season and those that may not have started played got significant reps last season. Defensive studs Eric Mensah and Kris Jones are back and um, they're only Sophomores. Ike Daniels will look to continue to rack up offers in his Junior season, Jackson Sigler will look to provide stability at the Quarterback position and the Offensive Line with 3 months in the weight room behind them is bigger and more experienced than a year prior. If they can avoid injuries (and silly penalties) this could be the year of the Wildcat.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Record Prediction: 9-1