The Wildcats plan to claw back into the mix this football season. With an offseason full of recruiting and hard work, Coach Beaton hopes to bring the Williston football team to their first winning season under his reign.

Last season was disappointing; the Wildcats ended the season with just a lone win, and seven losses. After a season like that it’s sometimes hard to find things to build on, but Beaton’s diligence as a coach proved otherwise.

This offseason, Williston gathered new recruits from all different areas. Beaton outlined the geographical diversity. “Matt DeGennaro is from New Jersey,  Michael Polk is from California, and Braeden Heald is from Iowa”. Beaton cannot say enough about the new players’ talents.

“Matt has a strong arm and is a very smart QB, Polk will be one of the fastest receivers in the league, while Heald has some of the best hands I’ve seen.” explained Beaton.

Thus far in the season, the team has the looks of a dominant football team. But in order to succeed, the team must be a unit, rather than a bunch of individuals.

Two-year senior captain, Mason Balch, has seen much of this in the offseason and is excited with this year’s group. “This year’s team has better chemistry, is full of leaders and just a bunch of guys who really love football,” he said.

Beaton had much of the same to say. “We have more depth this season compared to last. We also have a great group of seniors that will all contribute and have demonstrated great leadership skills. With this, success will come.”

This preseason has been an impressive one, and the boys from Sawyer field have been getting after it.

“There’s a lot of competition drills going on in practice every day,” Beaton said. “Our consistency is something we’ve been working on. We must show up to practice like we would for a game. And we have.”

They have also adjusted the coaching staff.

“There are no new members on the coaching staff, but Coach Rivers and Coach Stern will be serving as our defensive coordinators,” according to Beaton.

Some of the team this season means much more; it’s their last time to play the game that they’ve grown to love.

“Coming off a tough season last year we want to surpass what we did then,” said Mason Balch. “But for the seniors, as leaders, we want to leave a solid winning mark for Coach Beaton and the program altogether.” Balch emphasized, “We want to make some noise in our new league.”

This season is an important one for both the team and Beaton. Looking forward to week one against Kent on Saturday, September 23, Beaton feels confident.

“It’s a really exciting group with a lot of talent,” Beaton said. “We have many players that can be very dynamic for us with the ball in their hands, as well as a very hungry offensive line waiting for their moment.” He continued, “Defensively we are a very aggressive and physical group. Fortunately we have many returners back on defense, as well as some new guys that are doing a great job.”

Mason explained how the team is truly a family and they are willing to do whatever it takes for the person next to them.

“Everybody is playing for each other, for some it may even be the last time,” Mason, who will play lacrosse at Bryant University next year, said, “With that mentality, I feel like every game will be a battle and the season will not be full of regrets. Plus, we’re the underdogs, nobody really expects us to win. But just like dogs, we’re ready to eat.”

As the season is coming the Wildcats hope to make their mark. With new recruits, a positive offseason, and great team chemistry, Williston hopes to get back to their winning tradition from years past.