Andrews football seniors reflect on final season
Andrews – Progress is progress.
Although the Andrews Wildcats football team’s season ended early than they would have liked, there is no denying that the team, as well as the program as a whole, made some serious progress this year.
The Wildcats advanced to the second-round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1A Playoffs for the first time since the 2014-15 season, falling 41-13 on the road to the second-seeded Elkin Elks.
A sluggish start to the game ended up being the Wildcats’ downfall, which head coach James Phillips and a handful of seniors felt was impacted by the long bus ride to Elkin on Nov. 21.
“I have a feeling the bus ride had a huge part in it,” senior lineman Brawley Stillwell. “Everyone started sluggish.”
Nevertheless, Andrews recorded its highest win total under coach Phillips this year, finishing the season with six wins and narrowly missing a seventh against Hayesville midway through the season.
A key part of the Wildcats success this season was their small, yet strong class of seniors, who were part of the freshman class when Phillips took over in 2015.
Even though that group of players is graduating, the seniors hope that the growth and progress that was made during their time with the program continues after they have left.
“I feel really good about our growth and I hope that the upcoming 2020-21 season keeps building up the program,” Stillwell said. “I feel like from last season to this season, there have been some major strides and growth in our program.”
“Starting in the weight room, where we all busted our butts every day and it translated to the field.”
Senior running back Landon White felt that the support of the community was an important part of the Wildcats’ growth and success.
“I just want to thank the whole community of Andrews and for how they supported us this season and all four of my years,” White said. “They have never let us down in support.”
White finished with 1,297 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns on the season, leading the Cats in both categories.
Senior lineman Makhi Smith offered a word of advice for the underclassman that will look to continue the Cats’ growth next season.
“Always do what your coaches tell you to because they are only trying to help you and make you better,” Smith said. “Respect the process.”