Wildcat Football Preps For Season Opener, Team Looks To Revamp Offense

 

WAYNE – Since early August, 102 players started fall camp with the Wayne State College football program.

Thursday’s practice on campus was the two-week mark until the opening game for WSC.

A lot of new coaches will join the team for the 2018 campaign. Those coming back include defensive coordinator, Scott McLaughlin; special teams coordinator, Denny Honnold and moving to coaching the tight ends, graduate assistant coach John Dunford return with head coach Dan McLaughlin from last year.

Offensive Coordinator, Brian Frana has been with the staff since the spring as others include coaching assistant Lucas Melo; graduate assistant Andre McCall; GA Lucas Hefty and GA Roderick Ryles.

Coach McLaughlin, who enters his 14th season with the program, is pleased with the new hires.

“You know you got a guy that’s done what you’re doing and done it at a high level and so that’s always good,” said McLaughlin. “I think you can trust that they know what they’re talking about.”

Wayne State’s offensive player to watch is senior Nate Rogers who is a veteran for the team after tying his own single season school record of 12 touchdown receptions in 2017 and in 2016 as Damon Thomas in 1993 also had 12. Rogers is one touchdown catch away from breaking the career touchdown receptions category set currently by Jim Strahan in 1947-1949 at 27.

Following a graduating class of 21, the offense saw the loss of several top positions with the o-line and starting quarterback gone only returning three starters. Coach McLaughlin said Aaron Bleil will probably be the starting quarterback as he showed progression in the Spring and discussed the running back situation.

“Has continued to improve all fall and coach Frana has done a really good job with him,” Coach McLaughlin added. “We’ve got pretty good competition at running back. We’ve got three guys that are right in the middle of it right now and trying to sort out who the #1 is, but all three of them have done well.”

On the defensive side, senior lineman Xavier Graham made an impact for the ‘Cats as he led the team in sacks with 3.5 for 14 yards while tying for the team lead in tackles for loss with 7.5 for 25 yards.

Opposite of the offense, the defensive will return eight starters as the special teams bring back their punter, kicker and snapper.

The NSIC has changed their scheduling system from previous years. Instead of Wayne State playing four cross division games during the first four weeks, the ‘Cats will open with South Division opponents. Cross Division games for WSC will be in late September through late October.

“We’re open with South Division games, which is very unusual and they’re always really hard games,” McLaughlin mentioned. “Really difficult, tough test and we know that, but conversely you’re also at your healthiest early in the season.”

If you enjoy Friday night lights, then get excited for Saturday night lights. WSC plays their first month of games under the lights, two at home and two on the road. The ‘Cats open on Thursday, August 30 hosting #21 Winona State at 6 p.m. from Bob Cunningham Field. Last year, Winona State won 42-19 in Winona, Minnesota.

Join Voice of the Wildcats, Aaron Scheffler and color commentary from Justin Raulston on 98.9 FM/AM 1590 The City and online at waynedailynews.com with pregame coverage slated for 5:30 p.m.

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