by Hobby King sports editor
Despite a big passing game from junior quarterback Grayson Zdybel, the visiting Windsor Greyhounds scored a late touchdown and edged Slater’s Wildcats 40-34 on Friday.
Both teams traded touchdowns in the first and second quarters, with the Wildcats holding a 14-12 lead at the break. The Greyhounds took the lead with two consecutive touchdowns in the third quarter, but Slater fought back by scoring three of the next four scores to tie the game 34-34.
But with less than two minutes remaining, Windsor scored on a 15-yard run from Parker Craig for the deciding points. Zdybel completed 15 of 23 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns. All scoring passes were from over 50 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Brandon Terrill caught shots for 86, 53 and 65 yards from Zdybel. Junior wide receiver Kenyon Minnis carried a 71-yard bomb from Zdybel and a 58-yard TD pass from junior quarterback Seth Hunsaker.
In total, the Wildcats totaled 449 offensive yards, including 408 through the air. Hunsaker was 1 of 2 assists. Zdybel and Hunsaker each threw an interception.
Terrill finished with 233 yards on five catches. Minnis had 135 yards on six catches.
The Wildcats had just 41 yards rushing, led by senior running back Dustyn Simmons with a hard-earned 34 yards on 11 carries.
The 1-2 Greyhounds only threw the ball four times. They ran the ball 49 times for 354 yards and had 367 total yards of offense. Craig led the Greyhounds with 106 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. Senior Dustin Johnson rushed 14 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. Junior Seth Roberts added 96 yards rushing and senior Payton Witherspoon 48 yards and a TD on 13 bins.
Minnis led Slater’s defense with 12 total tackles (five solo). Senior Christian Audsley finished with 11 total tackles (four solo). Simmons added 10 tackles (five solo) and one tackle for loss. Hunsaker (three solo) and Keiton Head (three solo) each had nine total tackles, with Head recording a sack and a tackle for loss. Senior Jayce Case had the Cats’ other tackle for the loss. Audsley picked up two fumbles and the first case.
The 1-2 Wildcats, who have lost back-to-back games, will look to rebound and tie their record when they play 2-1 Tipton at 7 p.m. Friday.
Western Missouri High School Football Conference Friday September 9 Results Windsor 40, at the Slater 34* at Wellington 41, Midway 6* at Adrian 46, Lone Jack 13* at Lincoln 48, Crest Ridge with Chilhowee 6* at Cole Camp 29, Tipton 21* Friday, September 16 Schedule Slater at Tipton, 7 p.m.* Cole Camp at Lone Jack, 7:00 p.m.* Wellington to Adrian, 7:00 p.m.* Midway to Crest Ridge with Chilhowee, 7:00 p.m.* Lincoln to Windsor, 7:00 p.m.*
