2025 Team Preview: Washington Wildcats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The anticipation is building and my excitement level is rising as we're a little over three weeks away from the start of the ‘25 campaign in the <em>Sunflower State</em>. Lately my time has been dedicated to the rankings but I wanted to take a break to feature another program that folks should look out for this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team preview takes us to the Kansas City, KS area, which unfortunately has been an under-recruited part of the state the past several years. One team out of this area that really intrigues me are the Wildcats of Washington High School.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They've consistently been a program that's hovered around .500 over the years, and lately they've quietly been on the rise. After going 5-4 in 2023 they improved in 2024 by finishing the season with a 6-3 record. This season they should be looked at as legit contenders for the <em>Meadowlark Conference</em> crown. These are six skill position players that can help get them over the hump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class of ‘26</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1664431' first='Savion' last='Stone'], 6'2”, 200, QB, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A large portion of Washington's success the past few seasons stems from Stone's dynamic play. He's a very underrated dual-threat quarterback that has the opportunity to eclipse 2,000 career passing yards and rushing yards this season. He'll look to follow up his breakout junior campaign by helping lead the Wildcats on a postseason run this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1462646' first='Jaylin' last='Washington'], 6'3”, 175, DB ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Washington's top returning defensive prospects is [player_tooltip player_id='1462646' first='Jaylin' last='Washington']. He was on pace to be one of the top interception leaders in the state last season but was robbed of playing time due to injury. He'll be their leader in the secondary this season, and he's a ballhawk that opposing quarterbacks should be cautious of.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shon Williams</strong>, 6'2”, 225, TE/LB, Unranked</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A prospect that has the potential to breakout for the Wildcats is <strong>Shon Williams</strong>. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Williams has the ideal frame to be a key player at tight end as well as linebacker. He's a physical player that should see a larger role during his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darreon Baskin</strong>, 5'9”, 135, WR, Unranked</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baskin returns as one of Stone's favorite targets from last season. During the ‘24 campaign, Baskin recorded 24 receptions for 283 yards and one score. He performed well during camp season and is now gearing up to potentially take on the No. 1 wideout role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class of ‘27</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1125716' first='CamRon' last='Fields'], 5'10”, 170, RB, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats boast multiple playmakers on their offense, but next to Stone, Fields is arguably their second most impactful weapon. As a sophomore he tallied over 1,500 all-purpose yards, and he wasn't even the starting tailback. He has the potential to be an exciting player his last two high school seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class of ‘28</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1664441' first='ZayVion' last='Hayslett'], 5'11”, 175, Edge/LB, ‘28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayslett was another young prospect that emerged as a key contributor for the Wildcats in 2024. He's a lanky pass rusher that was very disruptive off the edge as a freshman. Hayslett is also a newcomer to look out for in the upcoming Class of ‘28 rankings update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->