Team Preview – Cypress Woods Wildcats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>After finishing 4-6 and going 1-6 in district play last season, the Cypress Woods Wildcats enter 2026 looking to turn the page with a hungry, close-knit group eager to gain experience and compete in one of the state's toughest districts. The Wildcats return 22 lettermen, including 3 starters on offense and 3 on defense, but they will also be tasked with replacing 46 lettermen from last year's tea,. While the roster is young, Coach Hickman believes the team's biggest strengths will be its camaraderie and hunger, qualities they will lean on throughout the season.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cy Woods will build its offense around junior running back <strong><em>Cory McKenzie</em></strong>, one of the team's top returning playmakers. He finished last season with north of 500 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver<em> <strong>Nico Tremusini</strong></em> provides a reliable target on the outside, showcasing his skills with 121 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 11 catches. Senior offensive lineman <strong><em>Will McLemore</em></strong> anchors a line that will play a key role in the Wildcats' development. Developing consistency up front and finding new playmakers will be priorities as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/corymckenzie05/status/1987534182302564770?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/corymckenzie05/status/1987534182302564770?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats return veteran leadership in the secondary with <strong><em>Zach Nicholas</em></strong> at safety who tallied 53 tackles, 1 interception, and 4 PBUs, and <strong><em>Kevin Cooper</em></strong> at defensive back who finished the season with 30 tackles, 1 interception, and 3 PBUs . Sophomore linebacker <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1255530' first='Kaden' last='Midkiff']</em></strong> is one of the program's rising young defenders and is expected to take on an expanded role this season. Senior defensive backs <em><strong>Ryan McKnight</strong></em> and <em><strong>Xzaviah Ammammoo</strong></em> will be names to watch as well. Expect <strong><em>Brady Sheppard</em></strong> to emerge as a leader at linebacker, while <strong><em>Michael Ansley</em></strong> has also earned praise for his work ethic and development at outside linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Kevin_Cooper22/status/1987370233741648076?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Kevin_Cooper22/status/1987370233741648076?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KadenMidkiff/status/1977490507539628310?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KadenMidkiff/status/1977490507539628310?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The Wildcats know this season will be about growth. With only 6 returning starters and significant production to replace, experience will be gained through every snap. This group believes the chemistry within the locker room and a motivated roster can help accelerate their development. If this team can establish consistency on both sides of the ball, and continue improving throughout the season, the Wildcats have the potential to take a significant step forward and compete for more wins this upcoming season.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cypress Woods Wildcats Schedule</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2263109,"width":"402px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/CyWoodsSche.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2263109" style="width:402px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->