The Lexington Wildcats are off to a strong start this season after beating cross-county rival Gilbert 24-0 in their week zero contest. 

The Wildcats' defense wreaked havoc on the Indians’ offense en route to a shutout. Lexington got a big boost from its returning players, including many who weren’t typical starters last season. 

“We lost so many guys last year on defense that we really didn't know what we had coming back, but I think the biggest thing is we have developed so much d-line depth,” Lexington head coach Dustin Curtis said. “I think we got 10 starters that are seniors, and even though they're all not returning starters, that kind of maturity, that kind of physical strength, it's kind of that intangible that you can't put a price tag on.” 

The Wildcats' defensive line overwhelmed the Indians and dropped their opponents behind the line of scrimmage nine times in the match. But it wasn’t just the defensive line that had success. Curtis was also proud of how his secondary performed in pass coverage. 

“How about our dang secondary,” Curtis said. “We really thought that could be a point of contention for us. They came up with pass break up, after pass break up, and I'm super proud of the defense for the shutout this year.” 

The win was extra special for Lexington as it came against a cross-county rival. Last season when the two teams met, Gilbert got the better of Lexington 14-3 to give the Wildcats their only out-of-region loss of the season before the playoffs. 

“That team, that's my rival,” Lexington senior running back and linebacker Matt McAulay said. “I don't like how they beat us last time. They only live right down the road. So, I want them to drive by here every time they pass, think about how they got their butt beat this night.” 

The Wildcats' offense had a strong outing, but Curtis said there are still some things he wants to see the team clean up, especially the penalties. The Wildcats drew multiple flags which halted potential scoring drives. 

The group still found success though, scoring three touchdowns and a field goal.

The game's first points were scored in the first quarter on Lexington’s first drive. McAulay ran the ball from eight yards out for the touchdown before junior quarterback Brennan Carter ran it in for the two-point conversion. 

It was Carter’s first start at quarterback for Lexington. He completed around 73% of his passes for over 75 yards in his debut. He was also effective on the ground, rushing for an additional 60-plus yards. 

Lexington’s second touchdown came through the air, but it was not thrown by Carter. The Wildcats went into their bag of tricks and ran a reverse passing play to score a 30-yard touchdown. Receiver Deacon Dimarco took the reverse and found Cam Capel wide-open downfield to put Lexington up two scores. 

“I feel like last year I wasn't aggressive enough,” Curtis said. “I think (offensive coordinator) Cagle loved to kind of change the momentum, and that's a big time to go ahead and put something in the engine.”

After being hesitant to kick extra points, Lexington’s next drive stalled out and the team decided to march kicker Gavin Kovac onto the field for a 34-yard field goal attempt. His kick went right through the uprights and put the Wildcats up 17-0 before the half. 

The Wildcats committed to the run in the second half to chew time off the board. The strategy worked as neither team scored in a quick third quarter. 

Lexington scored the game’s final points in the fourth after a long drive ended with a Carter keeper for a six-yard touchdown. Kovac nailed his extra-point attempt to put Lexington up 24-0, where it would stay. 

While the game wasn’t close, the crowd showed up for both teams. Lexington fans filled their section to support the home team, while Gilbert’s crowd drove out to cheer their team on the road against a rival. 

“This is what you coach high school football for in your hometown,” Curtis said. “I can't not smile about it. These are the kind of moments that you dream about when you want to coach when you're a young kid. And getting rivalry wins like this is pretty special.” 

Lexington and Gilbert will both be back in action next week on the road. The Indians will look for their first win this year on the road against Wilson. Lexington will travel to North Augusta looking to continue their momentum. 

“The more that guys have film on our personnel, the tougher it's going to get for us,” Curtis said. We know that North Augusta's going to be able to watch it and break it down and maybe choose some things to pick on, so we can't get complacent because we're still not where we need to be.”

Week 0 Area Scoreboard

Chapin 47, Catawba Ridge 37

Irmo 35, Oceanside Collegiate 7

River Bluff 41, Rock Hill 34

May River 34, Airport 13

Gray Collegiate 17, James Island 14

Swansea 27, Mid-Carolina 20

Williston-Elko 27, Pelion 6

Providence Athletic Club 60, American Leadership Academy 0

Northside Christian 33, Calhoun Academy 26

White Knoll at Camden - Aug 24., 7 p.m.