Wildcats get two tests in opening scrimmage

The Weimar Wildcats opened their 2026 preseason Friday, Aug. 14, with a doubleheader scrimmage against Burton and Hempstead at Hempstead High School.

The two opponents offered Weimar different early-season tests as Head Coach Dylan Conway evaluates his roster and begins finalizing the depth chart ahead of Week 1.

Burton, a fellow Class 2A program, reached the playoffs last season, as did Weimar. Hempstead did not make the postseason but competes in Class 3A, giving the Wildcats an opportunity to test themselves against a larger-school opponent.

The Wildcats enter the season looking to return to the playoffs, and the opening scrimmage allowed Conway and his coaching staff to evaluate players against two different teams without the pressure of wins and losses.

Conway’s message to his players was straightforward: execute, play hard and play their game.

With the regular season approaching, the Wildcats are also using the preseason to identify mistakes and areas that need improvement. The scrimmage gave players an opportunity to get live repetitions against opposing teams before returning to practice to make adjustments.

Weimar will get one more preseason test before Week 1 when the Wildcats travel to Lexington for a 7:30 p.m. scrimmage Thursday, Aug. 20.

Lexington, a Class 3A program that reached the playoffs last season, will give the Wildcats another opportunity to test themselves against a larger opponent before the regular season begins.