The three guarantees in life are death, taxes and W.F. West High School’s football team running an efficient practice.
It’s been that way ever since Dan Hill’s first practice when he took over as head coach nine years ago.
“After we got done with practice I sat down with the coaches and said ‘We’re never going back,’” Hill stated. “The quicker they get the signals, it takes you from two reps every minute to four-to-five.”
As fast as the Bearcats ran their second two-plus hour practice on Thursday, they quickly moved on from their Round of 16 defeat at the hands of Franklin Pierce. Plenty of sophomores, juniors and even freshmen played significant roles over the 8-3 season.
Another year older, another year wiser and another year of playing their brand of football.
“We broke a record for most kids on average to show up during weights,” quarterback Wyatt Hoffman said. “We’re working together towards one goal.”
Here are three takeaways from W.F. West’s session on the baseball field turf.
No. 8 still serving as a leader
Whether by design or accident, the number eight jersey has been synonymous with guys that serve as leaders for the Bearcats. Recently, it was Miles Martin. Before that it was Spencer Cole.
Now it’s Constantine Robertson’s turn to don the No. 8 in his junior year. He was vocal throughout Thursday during receiver drills, including demonstrating a route.
“He’s got those tools in the toolbox, and has grown his skillset,” Hill said. “He has taken that leadership role.”
Wide receiver room will be youthful
Gone is all-league and safety blanket Connor Coleman from the receiving corps, but the cast of pass catchers for Hoffman is expected to teeter on the younger side.
Robertson and sophomore Jalen Amoroso headline the group while juniors Jack Becker and Brendan Stevens at tight end will factor in as well.
“We have people that can fill his role,” Amoroso said. “We lack size, but we can make it up with speed and knowledge of the play calls.”
Interior OL a potential strength
While the Bearcats’ line loses a pair of starters, it brings back plenty of size, especially at center and the two guards.
Juniors Cody Schwarz and Hudson McCallum are back as second team all-league honorees while Carter Jackson was the center during offensive line drills. One of the reasons W.F. West went on extended runs in the Class 2A playoffs was a stout front-five.
“They’ve got experience and had a great offseason,” Hill said. “It will be fun to watch them; I think we’ll be able to get a push.”
