Willow looking to keep up strong start on offense led by experienced wide receivers

Vappie finished with seven catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the Country Day win. Marcus Joseph had team-high 122 yards receiving on four catches and two TDs. Senior quarterback Kaiden Thomas tossed four touchdown passes.

Vappie’s first touchdown from Thomas was a fade route from 9 yards out, and he followed that with a 56-yard catch for another score.

The 6-foot-2 Vappie, who has more than 1,500 yards receiving in his career, credits second-year defensive coordinator CJ Holmes, a Willow alum and Jackson State player, for helping him develop.

“Coach CJ has taught me a lot of the things that I (didn't) know,” Vappie said. “Whenever I get the ball, I just try to make the most out of it. The first touchdown (against Country Day) really set the tone for me, and the second touchdown on the deep ball really solidified it.”