The Wallace High School football team is gearing up for the 2023 season with high hopes and a strong senior class. The Wildcats, who finished 5-4 last year, are looking to improve their record and compete for a playoff spot in the Class D2 district.
Senior Experience and Youthful Talent
The Wildcats have 11 seniors on their roster, who provide leadership and experience for the team. Coach Eric Miller said the seniors have been instrumental in setting the tone and expectations for the younger players.
“They’re a great group of kids. They work hard, they’re respectful, they’re good students, they’re good leaders,” Miller said. “They’ve been through a lot of ups and downs in their careers, and they’ve learned from that.”
Among the seniors are quarterback Tanner Finley, running back Kaden Hager, wide receiver Cooper Smith, tight end Tyrel Kerchal, offensive lineman Jace Nelson, defensive lineman Kody Finley, linebacker Jaden Hahn, defensive back Rylan Finley, and kicker/punter Andrew Gardner.
Miller said the team also has some talented underclassmen who will contribute to the team’s success. He mentioned sophomore running back/linebacker Koltyn Hager, sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Jaxon Hahn, freshman tight end/defensive end Kade Smith, and freshman offensive lineman/linebacker Colton Gardner as some of the young players who have impressed him.
“We have a good mix of experience and youth. We have some kids who can make plays on both sides of the ball,” Miller said.
Offensive Firepower and Defensive Toughness
The Wildcats run a spread offense that relies on speed and versatility. Miller said the team has several weapons who can create mismatches and score points.
“We have a lot of speed and athleticism. We have some guys who can catch the ball and run with it. We have some guys who can run between the tackles and outside. We have a quarterback who can throw and run,” Miller said.
Miller said he expects Finley to have a breakout season as the starting quarterback. Finley threw for 1,234 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, while also rushing for 467 yards and six touchdowns.
“He’s a dual-threat guy. He’s got a strong arm and he’s accurate. He’s also very elusive and fast. He can make plays with his legs when things break down,” Miller said.
Miller also praised Hager, Smith, Kerchal, and Nelson as key players on offense. Hager led the team in rushing last year with 1,003 yards and 13 touchdowns. Smith was the team’s leading receiver with 34 catches for 579 yards and seven touchdowns. Kerchal was a reliable target with 18 catches for 265 yards and three touchdowns. Nelson anchored the offensive line with his size and strength.
“We have a lot of guys who can make plays on offense. We just have to execute and be consistent,” Miller said.
On defense, the Wildcats run a 4-3 scheme that emphasizes physicality and aggressiveness. Miller said the team has improved its tackling and pursuit from last year.
“We want to be tough and relentless on defense. We want to swarm to the ball and make plays,” Miller said.
Miller said he expects Kody Finley, Hahn, Rylan Finley, and Gardner to lead the defense. Kody Finley was the team’s leading tackler last year with 88 stops, including 12 for loss and four sacks. Hahn was second on the team with 82 tackles, including eight for loss and two sacks. Rylan Finley had 54 tackles and four interceptions as a defensive back. Gardner was a solid kicker and punter who also played linebacker.
“We have some guys who can hit and cover on defense. We just have to communicate and be disciplined,” Miller said.
Season Goals and Challenges
The Wildcats have set their goals high for the 2023 season. They want to win their district, which includes rivals Paxton, Wauneta-Palisade, Hayes Center, Maywood-Hayes Center, Hitchcock County, and Dundy County-Stratton.
“We want to win our district and make the playoffs. We know it’s going to be tough, but we’re confident in our abilities,” Miller said.
Miller said the team faces some challenges this season, such as staying healthy, overcoming adversity, and playing on the road.
“We have to stay healthy and avoid injuries. We have to deal with adversity when things don’t go our way. We have to play well on the road against some tough teams,” Miller said.
Miller said he is proud of his team’s work ethic and attitude so far in fall camp. He said he hopes the team will continue to improve and play hard throughout the season.
“I’m excited for this season. I think we have a good chance to do something special. I just want our kids to play hard every game and enjoy the experience,” Miller said.
The Wildcats will open their season on Friday, Aug. 25, at home against Paxton.
