Wildcats ready for Bulldogs

With advance ticket sales up by at least 50 percent over last year, Whitehouse head coach and athletic director Randy McFarlin said fans are as eager as he is to see the Wildcats in action.

"I think we'll be in front of a lot of sellouts, on the road and at home," said McFarlin, whose defending area champs will host Carthage in their first scrimmage Friday at 7 p.m.

With nearly 200 players taking part in high school practices, McFarlin will field a varsity squad of about 80 players.

"Our success last year created more desire to play and to be part of something successful," he said.

The increased numbers have led to depth at all positions.

"We're two deep on offense and two deep on defense, and we will almost have straight offense and straight defensive teams," he said. "The level we want to play at requires that."

For more of McFarlin's thoughts on this season, look for next Thursday's Fall Sports Preview.