Editor’s Note: Storylines is a series that will examine each of the teams in the surrounding counties and what to watch for heading into the season
Locally, there wasn’t a county that suffered from COVID the way Wyoming County did last year as neither of the two high school teams were able to finish the season.
Westside was only allowed to play four games before the color map brought an end to its season while Wyoming East was able to squeeze in five, playing its last game of the year on Oct. 2.
This year both schools are hoping not just for a full slate of games, but success.
Wyoming East
Wyoming East Head Coach Jimmy Adkins had a different rookie season than most coaches. In addition to finding his footing as the lead man, he had to battle something that was new to everybody in COVID. That combined with the graduation of a stellar senior class in 2019 tasked Adkins with reloading a team that had made the playoffs the year before.
It was a struggle.
Despite the return of all-staters Josh Reiley and Caleb Bower, the Warriors started the season 0-4, picking up their first win in what turned out to be the last game of the season. Adkins felt that the season ending for his squad at that point was the worst thing possible as he had found his footing. It started with using Bower as a wildcat quarterback, an adjustment that led to a seven touchdown night – one on a kickoff return.
This year those staples are gone, but Adkins has the ability to build. The Warriors return sophomore quarterback Jackson Danielson, who grew from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2 and added 20 pounds to his thin frame. The young signal caller showed flashes last year against Westside, connecting with rising junior Chandler Johnson for a couple of touchdowns. Now the duo will be tasked with shouldering most of the load on offense. Expect to see the athletic, 6-foot-4 Johnson more in the backfield in what Adkins expects to be a more explosive offense this season.
Westside
There’s a lot of excitement in the air in Clear Fork, and rightfully so. With Tyler Dunigon taking the reins as the new head coach, the Renegades are excited for what’s to come. After a 2-2 season that included an overtime loss after a three-week hiatus due to COVID, Dunigon feels like this team could take the next step but it starts with instilling a culture of toughness and competitiveness on every snap. Through the three-week period and first half of camp he’s felt like he’s seen that, though having the players on your side helps.
One notable player in his corner is junior quarterback Jaxon Cogar. The signal caller has helped Dunigon put together the playbook, installing some of his favorite concepts. The story will be how everyone else adapts to it.
The Renegades graduated several of their top playmakers in Ethan Blackburn, Daniel Reed and Spencer Kenney. Fortunately Cogar himself is dual-threat quarterback and running back Blake Goode brings experience as a running back and a quarterback. That, along with an offensive line that returns several starters, are reasons for optimism but the early storyline to watch will be how the younger skill players perform in this offense.
Contact Tyler Jackson at tylerjackson@lootpress.com, call him at 304-731-5542 and follow on Twitter @tjack94
