By Matthew Hickman
A 29-yard game-winning field goal with 25 seconds left by the No. 2 preseason-ranked Daly City Renegades was the difference in the a 22-20 loss for the Wasatch Wildcats in Saturday”s first game of the preseason for Orem”s semi-pro football team.
In a battle between two preseason favorites, Wildcats head coach Eric Drage said he was happy with their season opener.
“We practice twice a week and didn”t know what to expect,” Drage said. “I am really thrilled. We came out with a lot more intensity than I expected.”
The Wildcats began their fifth season Saturday with a No. 3 preseason ranking. With just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, back-up quarterback Stan Parrish hit wide receiver Joby Bratcher for a 29-yard touchdown.
“When we called that play, it was like out in the park where you draw it up in the dirt,” Drage said.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Renegades marched 58 yards, highlighted by a 54-yard reverse pass to set up the game-winning field goal.
Renegades general manager Tom Piccolotti praised the play of the Wildcats.
“That is a class organization from top to bottom,” he said. “That is the best team we have ever played.”
Wildcats starting quarterback Derric Rykert knew a victory would have capped a great game, but felt they did exceed what he thought the team was capable of doing.
“Even though it was a new offense, we had a lot of guys step up,” Rykert said.
A new offense, new season and a new head coach – Drage got the head coaching job last week – were evident in the first half. The Wildcats committed 13 penalties and only put up three points. According to Coach Drage, the team only practices twice a week, because most of the team has family and job commitments. Jobe Bratcher, who had 3 receptions for 71 yards and the touchdown, has only been to two practices all year.
Drage said he preaches to the team, “Family first, job second, and football third.” I guess that is minor league football at its best.
“We have about 50 guys on the roster and only 30 come to practice,” Drage said. “We get out of them what we can, and if your playmakers come only on Saturday”s, then you have to do what you have to do. That is minor league football at its best.”
