Wildcats rout Eagles behind backup QB

Gillespie passes for two TDs, runs for two more

There was simply no stopping the Clovis Wildcats on Friday night, even with a backup quarterback.

Devin Gillespie, normally a starting wideout, passed for 320 yards and two touchdowns, and he ran for two more scores as Clovis rolled to a 55-21 victory over Eldorado at Wilson Stadium. The Wildcats (6-3, 3-0 in District 2-6A) now have an open date next week to prepare for a first-place district showdown against La Cueva.

Clovis looked up to the challenge Friday, scoring on nine of its 10 possessions before taking a knee in the closing minutes. The ’Cats were without starting quarterback Chance Harris, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, but on this night they hardly missed him.

Jeston Webskowski rushed for 124 yards and four touchdowns (he also had a dazzling 79-yard reception), while Malik Phillips racked up seven catches for 180 yards and two scores (he also had an interception). The trio of Gillespie, Webskowski and Phillips was simply too much for the Eagles (4-4, 0-2) to handle.

“We do have good skill kids,” Clovis coach Cal Fullerton said, “and they played well tonight. Devin Gillespie stepped in for Chance Harris and looked really good. Except for the fumble we lost, our offense was really clicking.”

The Wildcats scored on a 74-yard pass from Gillespie to Phillips on their second play from scrimmage and it was a sign of things to come. But Eldorado’s offense managed to trade punches with Clovis for a while.

Jack Truong’s 4-yard TD catch from Elias Franco and a 2-point conversion tied the score at 8-8 with 5:16 left in the first quarter. The Eagles recovered a fumble on

Clovis’ next possession and Elijah Goree’s 16-yard touchdown run gave Eldorado a 15-8 lead.

The Wildcats more than answered, scoring two touchdowns before the end of the quarter to make the score 20-15. Three more TDs, but no extra points, in the second quarter made it 38-15 by halftime and the rout was on. Clovis scored 47 consecutive points and led 55-15 before Franco scored on a 35-yard run with 2:01 left in the game.