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Friday night lights are set to shine as the Wildcats charge into the 2024 season, eager to ignite Wildcat Stadium with a victory over the Hays Hawks.
The Elgin varsity football team will open the season at home against the Hawks in a non-district matchup Friday, Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Elgin is coming off a 4-6 overall season, finishing sixth in the district at 2- 4. The Wildcats will be looking for a stronger start this season after losing their 2023 opener 31-23 to Lampasas.
The Hays Hawks, who finished 4-6 overall last season, 2-5 in-district, are also aiming to improve.
L a s t s e a s on, t he Wildcats relied on a high-scoring offense, averaging 32.1 points per game. In contrast, the Hawks struggled of fensively, managing only 7.4 points per game. Both teams faced challenges on defense, with Elgin allowing 27.9 points per game and Hays giving up 28.8.
Elgin will be starting the season with a new quarterback this year, after former Wildcat Nathen Lewis graduated in the spring. Seniors Jalen Owens and Blake Thomas are currently on the QB roster, both expected to see playing time during the season opener.
The Wildcats’ ground game will also need to fill a gap, following the graduation of Elgin’s top three rushers from last season. Junior running back Gary Jefferson Jr. is a key player to watch after racking up 93 rushing yards, 282 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
For the Hays Hawks, junior quarterback Tacoma Ames and junior running back Anthony Hernandez, who led the team with 161 rushing yards last season, will be crucial to their success.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Wildcat Stadium, 14000 County Line Road.
