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2024 WILMINGTON GREYHOUNDS PREVIEW
By Joe Saqer, NWPA Sports Senior Contributor

NEW WILMINGTON -- Wilmington had one of its youngest teams in years last fall. The Greyhounds remain youthful – but with a season of valuable experience.

“There’s no substitute for experience. Last year, we were relying on a lot of young guys and it was their first time being counted on,” Wilmington coach Brandon Phillian said. “This year, these guys have the experience. They know what to expect. When you have guys that are new, there’s a learning curve there. A lot of this kids who are juniors now, we’ve been able to cut that curve.”

After its senior class, Wilmington had one junior on its roster a year ago. That forced a lot of sophomores and freshmen to contribute immediately – not always the ideal scenario in high school football.

“The leap the players take from their sophomore to junior year is a significant leap. You can argue that may be the biggest leap for a high school athlete,” Phillian said. “Their bodies have changed. The sophomores who looked like young kids on the field last year look like veteran varsity players this now. A lot of these guys got experience last year. That will serve them well.”

This fall, the ’Hounds’ senior class doubled to two players as well.

“We’ll have 15 juniors on the team this season. So, even though we’re light in seniors, it’s nice to be around 20 with the junior and senior class combined,” Phillian said. “I am really proud of the work the players put in this summer. They worked hard every day. I have been really pleased, not only with their progress on the field, but the attitude and effort these guys have brought with them every day.”

Wilmington must fill a big void in its backfield with the graduation of Ben Miller, the Region 3 Player of the Year, and his 1,525 rushing yards. However, Chase Mitcheltree (400 yards) and Aidan Gardner (117) have experience. Jamie Miller shifts from tight end to the backfield as well.

“Chase, Aidan and Jamie will be our leaders back there,” Phillian said.

Michael Mistretta and Caleb Rossi could figure into the running game as well. The quarterback spot is open to competition, but Wesley Vass-Gal has been leading the way. Fred Zehetner returns as a starting wide receiver.

“We’re kind of still evaluating things at quarterback,” Phillian said. “I think Wesley Vass-Gal is doing a great job. He had a strong summer. We’re excited about the work he’s put in, thus far. But, we’re still evaluating things.”

Jacob Coulter is back to bolster the offensive line. He was an all-region first-team pick last year as a sophomore. Collin Rolli returns as a starter on the line, while Danny Leonard and Maverick Whiting also made starts last year.

“Not only do we have experience in the skilled positions, but the offensive line brings back a lot of experience,” Phillian said. “You can see their bodies have changed this year, too.”

Defensively, Coulter, Rolli and Whiting will be on the line, with Whiting at end. “Maverick had more experience as a defensive end. We look for him to continue the long lineage of defensive ends from the Whiting family,” Phillian said.

Gardner and Miller return as starters at linebacker for the ’Hounds Hammer defense. Leonard joins them. Mitcheltree and Zehetner are back as starters in the secondary. Mistretta got a lot of experience there last year. Rossi will see time as well.

“One of our mottos this season is 'A&E' – attitude and effort,” Phillian said. “They come to practice every day and give a great effort. That’s a strength. They’ve met our expectations to this point.”

Last season, Wilmington reached the D-10 Class 2A semifinals. A 36-7 loss to Farrell ended the team’s campaign at 4-6. The ’Hounds dropped down to Class A and Region 1 in the latest realignment due to enrollment.

“We actually have more non-Single-A opponents on our schedule. So, when the postseason rolls around, we’ll have had some great tests along the way,” Phillian said. “The schedule is something we are looking forward to and we’re excited about.”