Walnut proved they can win big last Friday (they won by 23) but on Friday they proved they can win the close ones too. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 22-20 victory over the Hamilton Lions. This was payback for the Wildcats, who suffered a 50-28 loss the last time these two teams met.
Leading Walnut to victory were Kemarrian Gray and Trent Braddock. Gray rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown, while Braddock picked up 61 receiving yards and a touchdown. Austin Watson also deserves a mention for his punt return touchdown.
Walnut wouldn't let Hamilton keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Walnut can thank Wit Wright and Skylar Wilbanks for forcing both of them.
Despite the defeat, Hamilton saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Chris Willis picked up 99 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Walnut's win was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-2. As for Hamilton, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-4.
Walnut wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next match, a 28-20 loss against Hatley on the 25th. Hamilton has also already played their next matchup, a 44-28 victory against East Union on the 24th.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
