Fall football preview: Wildcats look to make deep run with larger senior class

After making the playoffs last year with just four seniors, this season’s Wildcats feature a more seasoned lineup, including nine seniors, most of whom have varsity football experience.

Last year, the Wildcats enjoyed an undefeated regular season but were eliminated in the first round of the 1A state playoffs by the Omak Pioneers. With four seniors having graduated, the team now boasts five more, anchored by a strong senior group with five players in skilled positions on offense and four linemen. Head coach John Lambert believes the combination of strength and experience in this year’s lineup could propel the team to greater success in the postseason than prior years.

“I think it’s a physical football team again,” Lambert said. “Because we have so many seniors that are playing, it makes a big difference for experience. A lot of these guys have played a lot of varsity football, and having that experience, you just can’t replicate that.”

Lambert has high expectations for the senior linemen — Max Cooke, Lincoln Cooley, Tyson Grove and Jack Tyler — who he said all show great potential. Additionally, he believes the team’s depth will support the Wildcats this season.

Despite having a large roster of returning seniors, Lambert is aware of the challenges ahead. He anticipates that Seton Catholic High School, a surprise semi-finalist in last year’s football season, will be the toughest opponent due to its roster of returning players. He also noted that Kalama and Castle Rock high schools could present stiff competition due to their own strong lineup of returning senior athletes. To prepare for these challenges, Lambert stressed the importance of rigorous practice and discipline.

“We need to continue to put tremendous effort in practices and be disciplined in what we’re doing [with] film work [and] preparing ourselves for games,” Lambert said.