Wright City Football Coach Jeff Sargent has high expectations for a season he is hopeful will play out long enough for his team to showcase its potential.

The Wildcats have certainly felt the impact of COVID-19, down from 58 players last year to around 35 this preseason, but energy is still abounding with many starters back, including junior quarterback Hayden Beck.

“This year he’s starting to step up and be the leader he knows he can be,” said Sargent. “I wouldn’t be shocked if he is leading the entire state in passing or total yards.”

At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Beck presents an imposing threat to opposing defenses.

“He’s gotten faster and stronger over the past year,” said Sargent. “His ability to run is huge for us, because it opens up our offense more.”

In the backfield the Wildcats will look to Dalton Wiser and Jerimiah Davis.

“Those two are talented track athletes that can just fly,” said Sargent. “I think they will really bring an upgrade to our running game and how we’re doing things.”

Sargent anticipates tight end Micaiah Clark to make an impact with his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame.

“He has really good hands and is a nasty blocker,” said Sargent. “He will help in our play action game.”

The Wildcats will be rotating three receivers on the outside, with Micheal Hicks and Jake Smith. Ian Wolff has also rejoined the program and will add depth in the aerial attack, along with Riley Holiway.

“Offensively, I think we’re going to be very solid,” said Sargent.

Defensively, Wright City will lean on Ethan Noah, who returns experience at guard.

Bailey Rainey and Dominic Le’ Noir will elevate their varsity time after contributing on the junior varsity level.

Sophomore Demetrius Le’ Noir will step in as a defensive catalyst at safety or linebacker.

“We have a lot of guys competing for linebacker positions,” said Sargent.

Among them are Brandon Sirimanotham, Blaine Nieman, Carleon Jones, Clark and Wolf.

“I love that’s there’s competition among all levels, not just seniors,” said Sargent.

Others returning with varsity experience are linemen Alex Polston and Deshon Johnson, with Kyle Horneker also having played significant time on the offensive line as a freshman.

Layne Dothage will also be stepping in to play an increased role in the trenches.

“We almost have to take the approach that we are going to get better every day and will not settle for mediocrity at practice,” said Sargent. “We cannot go through the motions. We have to earn everything we have. Every rep you get is earned not given right now.”

“We’re aggressive and are going to be very gap sound, but we’re also going to be smart in the secondary approach,” said Sargent. “We’re not going to get beat deep, but we’re also going to put pressure on you.”

Offensively, the Wildcats will employ a lot of outside zone, with a combination of power and counter.

“What we want to do is go game by game,” said Sargent. “Every game we are going to play fast and furious. The expectation this year is ‘you don’t know if we have a game next week. Why save anything for next week? Don’t think you’re going to get tomorrow.’ ”