The Wayland Wildcats entered Week 9 with their playoff hopes in the ballads. A victory would almost certainly give the Wildcats a trip to the postseason, while a defeat would likely leave the at home the next few weeks. Thanks in large part to some key offense, the Wildcats outlasted the Sailors to the tune of a 49-40 victory.
Kaharrie Pureifoy got Wayland started with a 23-yard touchdown. South Christian would respond with a Jackson Haik touchdown carry, but the PAT was missed.
The teams continued to exchange scores in the second quarter. Wayland got two scores on the ground, with Bryce Calkins and Hudson Biondo breaking into the end zone. South Christian would take to their star quarterback to keep them within striking distance. Carson Vis found Jake Vermaas for the first score, and he used his legs on a 67-yard run to bring South within three, 21-18 at the break.
A swap of scores in the third quarter left Wayland ahead by three. 36 total points were scored in the fourth quarter. Wayland got a pair of touchdowns to kickstart, a pass from Calkins to Cassini and a Cameron Bogart 40-yard sprint to paydirt. South Christian got a score from Vis to Vermaas of 62 yards, before Calkins used his legs for the final ‘Cats score.
South Christian got one more touchdown with 2:48 to play, but could never draw closer. Carson Vis completed 22/40 passes for 364 yards in this game. He added 111 rushing yards on 9 carries. Jake Vermaas had 15 catches for 303 yards in the defeat.
Wayland will now await confirmation of their playoff status on Sunday’s selection show. Their six victories are the most the program has recorded since 2013, when they made their last non-COVID trip to the playoffs. Should the ‘Cats be selected, it will be their 9th all-time appearance.
South Christian, the reigning Division 4 state champions, will also learn their opponent in Round 1 on Sunday.
