Written by: Will Hoenike
A new coaching staff. A new offense, a new defense. New players, new schemes. Optimism is high at Wilder High School.
“This team has a huge amount of potential, and a very high ceiling,” said new head coach Josh Duty. “Most of the coaching staff is new to Wilder High School, but have a great deal of experience both playing at a high level and coaching. We are excited to see how the kids execute the new offense, and they come together after a tough last season.”
The Wildcats are coming off of an 0-6 season and hasn’t reached the postseason since 2019, but Duty likes the hand he’s been dealt, starting in the backfield with returning all-conference honoree Julian Neri. The senior will line up alongside sophomore Gelacio Martinez. Those two will be key figures in the Wilder offense behind experienced offensive line. Seniors Malakia Haws and Shaun Fleming return along with sophomore Jonas Puga. They’ll be supported by junior Connor Smallwood and freshmen Nykkee Bahena and Jose Garcia. Senior Brandon Perez and junior Jesse Morales will fill important roles at the tight end position and junior Alonzo Zamora will compete for time at wide receiver.
That group, collaboratively, will be asked to make big strides after the Wildcats totaled just 72 points over six games last season. Duty and his coaches are hoping for continued growth in third-down conversions and big plays, which should lead to a significant uptick in overall scoring. Quick adjustments to the big stage from the program’s newcomers will also be key.
“We don’t have the option to go from middle school to a freshman or JV squad,” Duty said. “So, how will our players adapt to being under the lights? We think both our senior group and our underclassmen are going to have a great year.”
A critical part to the ultimate success of the program this season lies on the defensive side of the ball, where Duty and his assistants will aim to limit the number of big plays allowed. The team has depth in the trenches with Haws, Puga, Fleming, and Smallwood. Their ability to generate push and plug holes will make life easier for Neri, Zamora, and Martinez. And an excited, young wave of athletes will be ready if called upon with incoming freshmen Lance Bryce, Bobby Murray, and Jakota Kemp.
“We have a great senior class. They are great on and off the field. They have had a rough couple of years,” Duty said. “One key will be how they lead this team both mentally and physically. Another key is how our underclassmen progress. We have a great group of underclassmen that we are also very excited about.”
The Wildcats open the season with non-conference games at home against Horseshoe Bend and Cascade from the 1A (formerly 1A Division 2) Long Pin Conference. The team opens conference play on September 20 against WIC bully Notus, which has won the past four conference titles. Duty is optimistic in his team’s ability to make noise right out of the gates this fall.
“I think that we may be the surprise,” he explained. “We have a great deal of confidence in our new coaching staff, and the players on our roster.”