Lions football team falls in first round of playoffs

The Weatherford Christian School Lions had their season come to an end Friday, Nov. 6, against Lone Star North in the first round of the playoffs.

The state-ranked Tornadoes beat the Lions by mercy-rule 58-13.

Jack Muhlenkamp led the Lions with 81 yards passing and a touchdown and ran for 48 yards and scored the team’s other touchdown. He connected on the touchdown with Jace Kelso who had two catches for 36 yards and led the team with six tackles.

Pierson Julian did a bit of everything in his final game for WCS, running for 33 yards, catching two passes for 25 yards, completing two passes for 20 yards and securing two tackles for loss on defense.

Despite the loss WCS coach Colt Jones had nothing but pride for this team and the season they had.

“What I’ll remember most about this team is how they changed the culture of our program,” Jones said. “Over the previous two years we went 1-19, and this group went 5-5 and earned a playoff spot. It’s the most positive season Lions football has had in a long time. These kids believed in each other, showed up every week, and gave our school’s football program and fans something to be proud of.”

Jones praised seniors Julian, Noah Carreon, Levi Gray, and Wyatt Jones for how they are leaving the program following their final game of their football careers.

“All four were starters, and they set the tone for this turnaround,” Jones said. “They stuck with this program through the tough years, and they’re leaving it in much better shape than they found it. That’s their legacy, and every Lions team that comes after them will benefit from it.”

Despite those four graduating, Jones said he feels like this season is just the beginning for the program.

“The future looks bright,” Jones said. “We return 10 starters next season, and those young men now know what it takes to win and what it feels like to play in the postseason. This season wasn’t the finish line; it’s the foundation. We can’t wait to get back to work.”