Preview: Palestine Wildcats Football

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

PALESTINE – The Palestine Wildcats are looking to break out from the .500 range. In 2016 the Wildcats were 5-5 while last year they were 4-6.

This year with 22 returning letterman as well as five offensive and four defensive starters, Head Coach Robby Clark may have the team to break the .500 barrier and move into the playoffs.

Palestine’s strength will be the one-two punch of QB Tyler and WR TJ Dever while they will be led on the defensive side of the ball Quintin Cook.

The Wildcats are in District 10-4A, along with: the Carthage Bulldogs; the Henderson Lions; the Kilgore Bulldogs; the Van Vandals; and the Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs.

Make no mistake, Palestine has an uphill battle. Carthage is the reigning state champion while Henderson and Kilgore advanced to the regional rounds of the playoffs.

This year is going to be another heavy dose of ranked teams when the Wildcats move into district play. Carthage sits at #2 in preseason polls, Henderson is #8 and Kilgore is #11.

The Wildcats will be tested early as well as they host both Rusk and Fairfield in non-district competition.

Players to watch for this year include Josh Williams; TJ Dever; Tyler Gray; Jeremiah Davis; Quintin Cook; Keyshawn Nonette; Jonathan Fox; Robert Gipson Marquis Thompson; and Zaquoriance Johnson.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].