Although their district championship showdown with Dewar didn’t turn out their way, the Caddo Bruins are eager to get back on the gridiron this week as they host an opening round Class B playoff contest with Foyil.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bruin Field as they host the Panthers from northeast Oklahoma for the second straight season. Caddo will be hoping to duplicate that 60-8 mercy rule trouncing of 2023.
The Bruins got off to a rocky start in the regular season finale at Dewar, losing junior quarterback Cale Wigington to a first half injury on the way to a 47-0 loss as the Dragons claimed the district crown. Caddo finished the regular season with an 8-2 record.
Before leaving the game, Wigington completed four of seven passes for 93 yards and rushed twice for six yards.
Back-up Jake McKay hit three of six through the air for 11 and picked up five yards on a pair of rushes, contributing one reception for 65 yards before having to move to quarterback. Jake Green added two receptions for 25 yards and rushed one time for four yards.
“Cale got dazed on a hit early and it was a tough spot for McKay,” said head coach Jeff Wigington. “He came in and did what we asked him to do. When you lose your quarterback, you are obviously going to miss a beat because the backup normally doesn’t get near the reps in practice that the starter does, especially at this level.”
Despite the injury that sidelined him a week ago, the younger Wigington is expected to play in Friday’s playoff contest.
Foyil enters with a 5-5 record on the season after claiming third in District B-3 for Division 1. The Panthers average 27 points per game while allowing 34 a contest.
“They aren’t totally new to us after playing them last year,” Coach Wigington added. “We have that video along with several of their games this year. Our guys are itching to get back out there and compete. They want to get the bad taste of last week out of our mouths. Hopefully, we can get the offense going again with Cale back in the lineup and we have confidence that our defense can continue doing what we have been doing most of the season. We match up pretty evenly in size.
“Foyil runs a spread offense but will get into some two tight end sets. They are a ball control team, so we are going to need to stop their running game. Possessions could be limited so you have to take advantage when you have the ball. Hopefully, we can create some turnovers and not turn it over ourselves. Offensively, we need to be able to run the football but think we have a good chance to hit some big plays in the passing game. I’m expecting a great game. We are excited to be playing at home and it will be a great playoff atmosphere.”
