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The Elgin Wildcats (1-6, 1-3 in district) put the brakes on a seven-game slide last week, earning their first win in a season coaching staff previously slated for rebuilding.
Seniors Michael Mejias and Jeremiah Nicholson combined for 332 yards and five touchdowns in Elgin’s 70-21 victory over the Crockett Cougars (1-5, 1-3 in district) Oct. 16 at House Park Stadium. The veteran Wildcats’ rushing attack also helped mark head coach Rich Lucero’s first victory at the helm.
“What it means to me, more than anything, is that the culture that we’re establishing, the standards that we’re establishing, they’re starting to take shape,” Lucero said. “But just seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces for all the hard work — for them to keep getting knocked down and knocked down, and for them to fight to get back up, shows a lot of heart … It’s been a rough season, but I feel great.”
After forcing a punt to start the game, the Wildcats punched in a seven-yard touchdown rush from Mejias on their first offensive snap. After Crockett’s Roger Chargois tied the game, Elgin swung back with a 65-yard score from Nicholson.
“Those two seniors, it meant a lot because they worked so hard and it’s been tough sledding,” Lucero said. “To see them have success is a tribute to the offensive line. We got five seniors to start up front, and for them to get the job done, all credit goes to the offensive line.” The flood gates opened in the final two minutes of the first quarter after Elgin blocked what would have been the game-tying extra point for the Cougars. While the Wildcats went on to score four more touchdowns before halftime, Crockett wouldn’t see the end zone again until the fourth quarter.
Lucero said he was excited to see young talent step up, including sophomore running back Jermaine Roberson, who scored a pair of touchdowns in the second half. Elgin’s defense also added two forced fumbles in its best performance of 2025.
“We’ve got two returning starters from last year, honestly, that’s it,” Lucero said on the team’s defensive effort. “So, it was nice to see them have success.”
Up next for Elgin is a tough test against the Bastrop Bears Friday, Oct. 24, at Wildcat Stadium. According to Lucero, success in the local matchup will be decided by his team’s drive.
“If we’re going to be known for one thing, it’s going to be for our fight,” he said. “This week, versus one of the best teams in the area — high powered offense, really good on defense — it’s going to be about, can we fight? That’s really all I want to see next week. Will we line up against (Bastrop) and fight.”
