Hughes Proud Of Player-Led Turnaround

The Monterey Wildcats face off against Smith County this Friday, a battle of two teams fighting for playoff positioning.

Following a three game skid midway through the season, the Wildcats have won four straight games. Head coach Scott Hughes said it took some soul searching from his players for this turn around to take place.

“We made a decision internally, or are players did, that there needed to be a little bit better buy-in,” Hughes said. “We needed to practice better, we needed to study film a little bit better, or whatever it may be, whatever decisions they make. And I think now, they’re starting to see the benefits of the decisions they’ve made.”

The Wildcats have outscored their last four opponents 147 to 13 and have pitched two shutouts in that span. Hughes said this year’s roster sticks out to him due to their close friendships and the ability to have tough, honest conversations about the program.

“For this group it matters, football matters, being good matters, competing matters,” Hughes said. “And this group cares for each other, they care about their coaches and I know, hope and pray that they know that their coaches care about them.”

Hughes said that with their tight knit bonds, the program always knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but getting there would be a challenge. But know as they prepare for their last regular season game, they know their season will extend beyond Friday night.

But before they can start worrying about playoffs, they first must get through an Owls squad. Hughes identified quarterback Riley Martin and wide receiver Jermaine Cason as game-breaking players that the defense will have to hone in on.

“Smith County is a team that when you look at them, they’re getting better every day and the future is very bright for that program,” Hughes said. “It’s such a historical, traditional program. Coach Dyer and his staff, great coaches and great guys. They have a high, high expectation and so it’s a team that’s very, very scary.”