The Wildcats finished 2015 strong – winning 2 of 3 including a “w” against Region 5A champ West Florida. Entering his third year, Head Coach Charlie Ward is expecting that finish, a strong spring and 2016 pre-season to propel the 2016 Cats to where they expect to be, atop 6A.
And the Wildcats will be looking to get to the top via the ground game. The ground game will be led by All-Everything Offensive Lineman Alex Leatherwood and his compatriots on the line Chris Flounlacker and Matthew Blum. QB Andre Hunt and RB Aaron Malory will be looking to hit the holes opened by the experienced line. Hunt will also have standout WR Mystikal McGhee who has proven speed to stretch the field.
Coach Ward is excited about the opportunities to put points on the board. “We have been in this system for three years and our guys are starting to understand what we are doing. We are looking to be balanced on offense and execute the fundamentals on each play. Playmakers need to make plays in order for the offense to be successful”, he stated.
With six returning starters on defense, the Cats are focused on disciplined, assignment based football dependent upon good tackling and turning over the ball. Aaron Malory, Nick Berling, and Isaish White are an experienced line-backing corps. Of course, opponents will have to get past a stout d-line led by Marsalis Jackson, Desmond Bettis and Olajuwon Lewis. Eric Goldsmith returns to prowl the secondary.
Coach Ward has high expectations for the 2016 squad but also knows there will be challenges. “Our greatest weakness will be depth on both sides of the ball. We will have multiple guys playing both ways this year and conditioning will be key. We are working their minds to be able to push through when they get tired. Mind over matter is our philosophy. The important part is making plays when a play needs to be made. The play doesn’t care who makes it.”
Washington Wildcats
Written by Arnold Gamber
