Wildcats win home opener; prepare for homecoming vs. North Park

The Fleming Wildcats hosted their home opener last week in a contest against the Wauneta-Palisade Broncos. Fleming notched their first win of the season with the annual homecoming game on the horizon.

The Wildcats and Broncos battled Friday night in contest that would end with Fleming on top by just two points, 35-33. The Wildcats gained more yardage on the ground than the Broncos rushing and passing game combined. Fleming picked up 322 rushing yards compared to Wauneta-Palisades 309 total yards. In addition to their rushing yards, the Wildcats added 30 yards on completed passes.

Sophomore quarterback Treyson Kirkwood completed three of five passes for those 30 yards. He threw a long of 22 yards and one touchdown.

Junior Pierson Japp found himself on the receiving end of Kirkwood's long pass, giving him the top spot in receiving yards. Sophomore Dane Cunningham caught one pass for 10 yards and six points on the scoreboard.

Senior Grant Kuntz led the team in rushing yards with 247 and four rushing touchdowns. He also returned three kickoffs for 50 yards; giving him 297 all purpose yards in the game. Defensively, Kuntz brought down 12 tackles; seven solo and five assisted.

Sophomore Conner Marchant followed in rushing yards with 51. He led the team in tackles with 13; five solo and eight assisted.

Other notable defensive statistics include a recovered fumble by senior Peter Brekel and a blocked field goal by Cunningham that could have sent the game into overtime.

Sophomore Jadyn Sporing made good on two of his four points after kicks giving him four points on the scoreboard.

The Wildcats are scheduled to host the North Park Wildcats this Saturday for homecoming at 1 p.m. North Park enters the contest at 0-1 on the season. Homecoming festivities are planned for halftime of the ball game including the annual crowning of royalty.