WILSON: Another shot

FISHERSVILLE
Wilson Memorial football has never won a state title. The drought may continue this season after the Hornets lost most of their offense and inherited a youth-packed roster.
Even with 15 sophomores this season, Derek McDaniel said he has enough ammo to be competitive in the Shenandoah District.
“We lost most of our offensive line, but we have a lot of young guys that are coming, we just need to make things happen,” McDaniel said. “Right now, we are trying to get better everyday. We will keep mixing personnel until we find the right combination.”
Former JV players have caught the eye of McDaniel. Tailback Connery Swift, defensive back Weston Cash and fullback Gage Staton will see time.
“Connery was a freshman, and has a lot of skill possibility and [is] a very strong kid. In our plans and offensive schemes we’re probably going have about five guys touch the football. He’ll probably be one of them,” McDaniel said. “But then, we have junior running back Max Nobles and senior running back Richard Andrews, so we have the advantage of those skilled players.”
After losing key linemen like Jake Wood, Alex Fisher and Andrew Foltz, the Hornets will distance themselves from the running game.
“We had a strong defense last season. This season we are not as big as we were. I’m a running type of guy,” McDaniel said. “I have done that for the last two seasons, but the biggest part of our offense now will be throwing the ball more and keeping possession as long as we can.”
But there is one way the Hornets know they can score —kicker Ben Hopewell is back for his final season.
Hopewell was 9-for-12 on field goals last season including on 52-yard shot.
“If I had to change anything about last season, I would have used Ben more than I did. You will see more of him this season,” McDaniel said.
Hopewell said that it has been leadership that has helped him to not give in.
He said Wilson has a shot at making the leap to the playoffs and beyond.
“It’s about leadership. Coach McDaniel always tells us, if you fall down, pick yourself up,” he said. “That’s the type of discipline that helped me, and will help us. Following what the coaches say to us is important and you have to be responsible.”
At the hive, the balance of youth and veterans could be delicate. For the seniors this season has to be a winner.
“Yeah, it’s like do or die. I’m in my senior year and I want to win,” Trimble said.
Wilson will open its season against Stuarts Draft at home on Aug. 29 at 7:30.
“You know, Draft is a tough team and they run the ball,” McDaniel said. “We have to be just as good.”

Coach: Derek McDaniel
Coached: Fifth year
Last year: 5-5
District: Shenandoah
Region: Group A
Players to Watch: SE/EB Ben Hopewell, QB Jake Bailey, OL/DL Chris Trimble, TB Connery Swift, RB Christian Miller, RB Max Nobles
Promising Newcomers: TB Connery Swift, DB/QB Weston Cash, FB/LB Gage Staton, and OL/LB Bubba Rothgeb
Key Losses: RB/LB Corey Swats, RB/DE Alex Fisher, OL/DL Andrew Foltz, OL/LB William Sizemore
Offense: Multi I-formation
Defense: 53, 43 and 44
Outlook: The Green Hornets have 15 sophomores that have to learn McDaniel’s system of discipline and focus. Wilson had a strong defensive line last season will lean more on its offense this year. Wilson will not run the ball as much as they did last season they will rely more on the passing game.
Coach’s Quote: “Last year our defense won games for us, know we have to rely on throwing the ball. We’ll do this by throwing short passes for eight or nine minute drives.”