The Florala Wildcats’ football team made vast improvements in their first year under head coach Scott Mason and they came out strong in spring training with a 42-0 victory on the road against Choctaw County.

“I was very pleased with the effort that I saw,” Mason said. “I was especially pleased with what I saw from our defense.”

The Wildcat defense pitched a shutout and held Choctaw County to -11 yards of total offense.

Cole Jennings and Bailey Nolen each had eight tackles to led the Wildcats.

Rashaad Coleman added an interception and Mekhi James had several pass break ups.

Mason said that a year in the system has really helped his players grow.

“It’s amazing what growth we have seen from these kids in a year’s time,” Mason said. “The time that we have spent in the weight room this offseason is really starting to show. We’ve got guys that have put on 20-30 pounds from this time last year. The biggest thing is that we are a year older and a year wiser. Last year, we were just so young.”

This season, Mason looks for the Wildcats to make even more strides.

“This year, we have added some new additions on defense,” Mason said. “As for the offense, we picked up right where we left off last year. Jacob (Hammac) is bigger and smarter this year. Our guys keep on getting better. That was a good 2A team that we played and we skinned them up pretty good. These kids are starting to realize and believe that they can play with these teams.”

The Wildcats finished with 501 totals yards.

Hammac was 21-for-30 with 309 yards and four touchdowns.

Shun White caught three passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns.

Logan West had six catches for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Leroy Mitchell had 10 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Caleb Woods six receptions for 58 yards and a two-point conversion.