It’s time for the Wolves’ gridiron gang to get back to work – beginning with their season opener against Rochester Adams.
“It’s going to be a tough one,” said Wolves Football Head Coach Kurt Richardson. “Like all previous Adams teams they are well-coached and a very solid football team.”
The Wolves are gearing up for any challenges on the field with their returners and newbies.
The Wolves lost last year’s quarterback Tyler Scarlett and running back Dakota Bender but three talented players are ready for the positions.
Returning is junior Joey Goss stepping into the running back position. Goss missed last season because of an injury.
“Goss has had a tremendous off season,” said Richardson. “He has something to prove.”
Juniors Mitch Baenziger and Nick Demattia are both standouts for quarterback position and as of press time, Richardson hadn’t decided who would be starting Friday night.
“Both of them have their areas of strength and areas they need to get better at,” said Richardson. “They are making strides daily.”
Protecting the ball carriers is the offensive line with Max Collins,Craig Columbo, Matt Goebel, Lucas Sanders, Aaron Wright, Nick Matich and Nick McInally
“They have had great off seasons,” Richardson said. “One of their strengths is their intelligence.”
They can anticipate the moves from the opposing team’s defense and are prepared to move quickly.”
Returning to the defense line is Justin Baetz, Chris Canada, Zach Collins, Steve Carpenter and Ty Foltz.
Richardson and the boys have watched Highlanders on tape and know what to expect.
“They have a very good defense,” Richardson commented. “They have a couple game breakers on offense and they run an option offense.”
Players they are watching out for are returners Andrew Hammett, Darrian Bell, Spencer Cairo, Brad Nylen and Sukman Sidhu.
The varsity team has home turf advantage for their game on Friday night, kick off at 6:55 p.m.
“It’s going to be a dog fight,” said Richardson.
The JV and freshman team head to Rochester Adams, 3200 Tienken Road in Rochester Hills, on Thursday.
The freshman team begins at 4:30 p.m., JV follows at 6:30 p.m.