The Wildcats of Fleming made a four-hour trek last week to open their 2023 football season in Walden against the Wildcats of North Park. Under the leadership of this year's seniors - David Betley, Wyatt Cochran, Matix Haney and Christian Polly - the local Wildcats cruised to their first victory of the year by an impressive score of 61-33.

Junior Derek Houser stepped into the starting role of quarterback in the season opener. He completed three of five passes for 44 yards on the day.

Freshman Dane Cunningham and Betley found themselves on the receiving end of Houser's passes. Cunningham led with two receptions for 38 yards; Betley grabbed one catch for six yards.

The Wildcat offense gained 396 yards on the ground at North Park. Cochran ran for the majority of those yards; racking up 293 yards on 29 carries. Haney averaged just over eight yards per carry after adding 42 yards on five carries.

Haney led Wildcat defense with 11 total tackles. He brought down six solo and five assisted. Freshman Conner Marchant followed with 10 tackles. He took down six and four, respectively. Houser and junior Peter Brekel each tallied seven tackles.

Cunningham attempted eight points after kicks. He made good on three of those efforts, adding six points for the day.

Cochran led on the scoreboard with 36 points off six rushing touchdowns. Freshman Mason Mollohan and Haney ran in one TD each for six points apiece.

Fleming is set to hit the road again this week, this time to Idalia to take on the Wolves in a Friday afternoon contest. Idalia stands at 1-0 after week one. They defeated Briggsdale 40-16 last Friday. Kick off in Idalia is set for 3:30 p.m. on Friday.