Walnut Grove Stages Stunning Comeback to Stay Perfect at 7-0
Down but never out that was the story for Walnut Grove on Friday night. The Wildcats found themselves trailing 38-24 late in the third quarter, but a furious rally lifted them to a thrilling 45-38 victory over the Anna Coyotes, keeping their unbeaten season alive and stretching their win streak to seven straight.
Star running back Cameron Newton once again stole the show, putting together a monster performance with 141 rushing yards and four touchdowns, plus 105 yards through the air. Newton’s consistency has been remarkable he’s now scored multiple rushing touchdowns in eight consecutive games dating back to last year.
Quarterback Hayes Hackney joined in on the fireworks, airing it out for 360 yards and two scores, guiding the Wildcats’ comeback with precision and poise.
On the defensive front, Walnut Grove found its spark when it mattered most. The Wildcats’ pass rush came alive, sacking Anna quarterback Ziondre Williams four times. Keller Pittenger led the charge with two sacks, while Parker Olson added another and piled up six total tackles, including four for loss.
For Anna, it was a painful loss after controlling much of the game. Ziondre Williams put up video-game numbers 375 passing yards, five touchdowns, and 45 rushing yards bringing his season total to 22 passing TDs. His go-to target, Michael Kennedy, delivered a monster night of his own with 161 yards and four touchdown grabs.
The loss snapped Anna’s five-game road win streak, dropping them to 5-2, while Walnut Grove’s perfect run rolls on at 7-0.
Both teams turn their attention to next Friday’s matchups, where they’ll each hold a ranking edge. The Wildcats, ranked 46th, will square off against Lovejoy at 7:30 p.m., while Anna looks to bounce back on the road against Denison at the same time.
Walnut Grove proved once again they’re not just talented, they’re tough.
Wildcats Roar Back Late to Keep Perfect Season Alive
The Walnut Grove Wildcats refused to fold Friday night, rallying from a 14-point third-quarter deficit to stun the Anna Coyotes 45-38 and run their record to a spotless 7-0.
It was all Cameron Newton down the stretch. The senior tailback tore through the Coyotes for 141 rushing yards and four touchdowns, adding 105 yards receiving for good measure. Newton has now logged multiple rushing scores in eight straight games, a streak stretching back to last season. Quarterback Hayes Hackney piled on through the air, hitting for 360 yards and two touchdowns to fuel the comeback.
Defensively, Walnut Grove found its bite in the second half. The front four swarmed Ziondre Williams, dropping him four times. Keller Pittenger led the charge with two sacks, while Parker Olson chipped in a sack and six tackles-four behind the line.
Williams still flashed brilliance for Anna, throwing for 375 yards and five touchdowns while tacking on 45 rushing yards. His favorite target, Michael Kennedy, was electric again with 161 receiving yards and four scores. But the Coyotes couldn’t protect a 38-24 lead, ending their five-game road win streak and falling to 5-2.
