WFHS Defeats Everman In Area Championship

The Wichita Falls High School Coyote football team has been a gritty bunch all year. Nothing was different Saturday at Saginaw's Roughrider stadium where the Coyotes clawed back from the brink of elimination to beat the Everman Bulldogs 31-28 in double overtime.

The win puts the Coyotes (7-5) into a regional matchup with Canutillo (9-3) next Saturday in Midland. Canutillo defeated Canyon-Randall 28-21 on Saturday.

The Coyotes jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on two Robert Williams III TD runs, but Everman responded to tie it up at the half. For most of the second half, the teams fought back-and-forth with Everman taking a lead and WFHS responding.

WFHS RB Robert Williams III rushes past Bulldog defenders in the first quarter. The Coyotes won in 2OT, 31-28. (photo by Stacy Stowe)

Then, late in the 4th quarter, Everman marched down the field to take a 28-21 lead over the Yotes with just 2:04 to play. WFHS QB Eric Butler started the Coyote drive on their own 35 yard line. A few Everman penalties later and a brilliant 4th down run by Butler and the Coyotes were in the Everman redzone. Finally, on the last play in regulation, Eric Butler threw a 1 yard TD pass to WR O.J. Clark with 0:00 left on the clock. Kicker Chance McWhorter tacked on the extra point sending the 28-28 tie into overtime.

The Coyote defense was excellent in the overtime session, ending with WFHS LB Tai'wan St. James intercepting a Everman QB Michael Boone pass. The WFHS offense couldn't muster many yards, but McWhorter had a chance to end the game on a 39 yard FG attempt. The Coyotes were flagged for a false start on the play, backing them up 5 yards. On the ensuing attempt, McWhorter's planted leg seemed to slip, causing him to miss the FG wide left.

Everman head coach Dale Keeling elected to switch ends of the field for the second overtime, forcing any attempted kick to be into a strong north wind. The Coyotes went first in the 2nd OT, and this time McWhorter drilled a 42 yard FG to put Old High on top 31-28. The Bulldogs never looked ready on their next possession, leading to a swarming Coyote defensive line. WFHS's Garron Nash recorded a sack to further backup the Bulldogs. On a 4th and 31 play, Everman QB Boone was hurried by a number of Coyote rushers, forcing a bad throw that was intercepted by O.J. Clark to end the game.

The regional game against the Canutillo Eagles will be broadcast on 106.3 The Buzz. Check back here for the official kick-off time.