Midnight in Morton: T-Wolves kick off fall camp under the lights

MORTON — A few minutes before midnight on Wednesday, the lights on the field at Morton High School turned on. 

Moments later, right at 12:01 a.m., the 2024 Morton-White Pass Timberwolves took the field for the first time, opening fall camp as soon as the WIAA would allow.

“It’s exciting,” MWP coach Lee Metcalf said.

The Timberwolves are certainly hoping for a better season this fall, as last season was one full of growing pains.

Morton-White Pass went 1-8 last autumn, including a seven game losing streak to end the season and an 0-5 mark in league play.

“Last year was rough,” Metcalf said. “It wasn’t a good year for us. We were young. But this year, things are looking up. We’re a year older, the younger kids are a little bigger.”

Almost every starter is back with another year under their belt, as just three seniors — Brecken Pelletier, Tony Belgiorno, and Antione Banks — graduated this past spring.

Outside of Pelletier, the entire backfield is back, including Kohen Ingalsbe, who averaged nearly four yards per carry last season. Center Doug Seavers, who is entering his third year anchoring the T-Wolves offensive line, is also back.

Judah Kelly also returns for another year behind center, and Metcalf is excited to see how his development from last season carries into this upcoming campaign.

“You want kids to show improvement, and I think each year that they’re in your system they're naturally going to improve if they put the work in,” Metcalf said. “Judah can make plays on the run and with his arm. I’m excited.”

While a majority of the roster returning would signal a sense of familiarity, there are some fresh faces in the mix that could pay dividends.

Metcalf mentioned several track and baseball athletes that are playing football for the first time, and while he is excited about the extra athleticism that group will bring, he’ll need to see how they fit in during the next couple of weeks.

“Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth, right?” Metcalf said. “You never know.”

Metcalf’s first chance to see how his group comes together against another team will be at a jamboree at Winlock on Saturday, Aug. 31, and after that, their first game action will come on Friday, Sept. 6 at home against Highland.

“There’s some things to look forward to,” Metcalf said. “We’re on the rise.”