Wesleyan football is hungry for more success

Wesleyan is looking poised to make a run at the team’s second state championship. The Wolves are coming off a second consecutive run to the quarterfinals in 2024, only the fourth time the team has done that in school history, which brings a depth of experience to the program.

But it’s still July, let’s not get ahead of things.

The Wolves will be replacing three-star quarterback Ben Brown; however, they are in good hands with Walker Kirkland. Kirkland is one of the most physically imposing quarterbacks in the state. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing nearly 210 pounds, he is the prototypical pocket-passing quarterback. While he didn’t get much playing time last season, he has looked good in the offseason and is the favorite to start for the Wolves in the coming season.

The team will return its top receiver from a year ago. Carter Hayes is coming off a 1,122-yard, 10-touchdown season, ranking near the top of the state in receiving yards. He is a versatile receiver, able to play X, Z, or slot. Standing 6-0, he is more than tall enough and is a shifty receiver. On the recruiting trail, he has already received two offers from smaller colleges to play football at the next level.

On defense, the team will be led by Brice Gillis. Gillis is one of the highest-touted recruits on the team, holding five Division I offers. He is a bit of a do-it-all player, capable of playing wide receiver, tight end, outside linebacker, and safety. Standing at 6-6, he is what you imagine as an edge rusher. He provides length and speed that are rare, especially at the small A-3A private level. He will be a game-wrecker for the team this coming season, with few linemen able to stop him.

The team’s schedule does them no favors; they will have to face off with rising power Fellowship Christian, who they lost to twice last season, if they want to win the region and guarantee themselves a top seed in the playoffs. Luckily, the Paladins should not be as dominant this season; however, they will still pose a threat and are a team the Wolves need to beat.