Cats gear up for playoffs in game against Catholic

While the first-round opponent may not be decided yet, the Conway Wampus Cats can be sure they will have a spot in the Class 7A state playoffs.

That’s a step forward from last season, but Cats (3-6, 2-4) coach Clint Ashcraft thinks going in with a little confidence wouldn’t hurt. A win tonight against Little Rock Catholic (5-4, 2-4) could go a long way in that effort.

“This is a big game for us just because we need confidence going into the playoffs,” Ashcraft said. “Beating Catholic at their place could really help us.”

Beating Catholic at War Memorial Stadium would also give Conway a fifth seed. That’s something that may seem small now but could pay off in a larger way in the future.

“The seniors have laid the foundation for our future,” Ashcraft said. “If we can get the fifth seed and move up in the playoff standings, that’s going to help down the road. You always want to do better the next year, so that’d be something good to build on.”

The Cats and the Rockets will finish as the fifth and sixth seeds, with tonight’s outcome determining the order, in the 7A-Central Conference. Rogers Heritage and Fayetteville play Friday night, and the winner of that game gets third in the West, while the loser will be seeded fifth.

Those seedings are yet to be determined, but Conway will face one of those teams in the first round next week.

But first the Rockets.

“Their skilled kids are really good,” Ashcraft said. “These will be the biggest receivers we’ve seen all year. Up front, I think we match well size-wise.”

The Cats are coming off a 31-17 loss to Russellville last week. Catholic, on the other hand, had little trouble in its latest game, shutting out struggling Little Rock Central 28-0. Still, that’s not something Ashcraft sees as much of a hindrance.

“The kids are pretty resilient,” Ashcraft said. “They bounce back each week.”

That’s no doubt a key for these Cats. However, neither the opponent nor the week doesn’t change what needs to be done.

“We’ve got to play disciplined football and play hard for four quarters,” Ashcraft said.

Doing that could translate into a win. It’ll also serve as a model of what will be needed for postseason success.

“Beating a good football team on the road would be big,” Ashcraft said. “That’s what we’re going to have to do in the playoffs. If we can do that, then that should carry over into the playoffs.”

That’s no doubt easier said than done. This week will present a tough chore in its own right.

“Their quarterback is really good,” Ashcraft said. “We’ve got to find a way to get pressure on him. They like to throw the deep ball, so we’re going to have to prevent long passes.

“Defensively, they’re real unorthodox. We’re going to have to do a good job of getting the right play called and then getting them blocked when we call that play.”

Having success tonight is the immediate goal. However, more success in the future is more of the ultimate goal. There’s some to build on, but Ashcraft doesn’t want the Cats to be content just yet.

“It’s a step forward from not making it last year,” Ashcraft said. “I don’t want the kids to be satisfied with that. I want them to be hungry and want more.”

Kickoff for tonight’s game is set for 7:30 at War Memorial Stadium.