Waskom's Chan Amie Wins ETSN.fm + Dairy Queen Defensive Player Of The Week

Waskom linebacker Chan Amie helped lead the way in the Wildcats' 52-32 win against Leonard in the Class 3A Division II playoffs.

The junior recorded 19 tackles, four tackles for loss and ran back a 72-yard interception from his middle linebacker spot. He stopped multiple Leonard drives in their tracks and individually accounted for a touchdown swing in the 20-point victory.

Amie succeeds John Tyler safety Jordan Owens, who came close to winning the award a second consecutive week with two interceptions and a blocked PAT returned for a two-point score in the Lions' win over Mansfield Summit.

Waskom's linebacker will have to bring his A-game once again this week in the Wildcats' meeting with Howe on Friday at Trinity Mother Fances Rose Stadium in Tyler. Howe erupted for 30 second quarter points in a 50-32 win against Hughes Springs last week.

Howe running back Anthony Hawthorne rushed for five touchdowns and 229 yards.

Waskom's playoff road is getting steeper. If the team gets past Howe, it will take on either Gunter or S&S Consolidated for the Region II title. Gunter defeated Arp, 35-28, in its last game and S&S Consolidated edged Elysian Fields, 28-27.

Arp and Elysian Fields belong to the Wildcats' District 8-3A Division II. Waskom beat both district teams by wider margins, however.

Region I powerhouse and defending state champion Cisco could be an issue should Waskom advance to the semifinals and the other side of the state bracket has a few traditional powers still in contention, including Newton and Crockett from Region III.

With Amie anchoring the defense, the Wildcats are a team the other contenders will have to watch closely.