With preseason practice now behind them, Wakeland football is off to a strong start after defeating The Colony High School 24-14 in its home opener Thursday night at Toyota Stadium. Head coach Chan Isom says the team came into this year with focus and determination.
“The players came in hungry and ready, I’m excited for this year’s team.”
After coming up short in the playoffs last year, the Wolverines have their eyes on the gold.
“Absolutely, this team is ready to compete,” Isom said. “Ever since the season ended last year, this team has been focused on 2025 and building their legacy.”
The main goals are clear: win district and make history with a deeper playoff run.
Some key players are expected to make an impact on both sides of the ball. On offense, Isom pointed out Lucas Mangham, Grayson Myer, Jayden Maples, Cedric Thornton, Braxton Cole and Miles Bladon. On defense, returning starters such as Austin Wilson, Cedric Thornton, Dallas Preston, Daniel Jelinek, Blake Landry, Trent McDaniel, and Preston Lowery bring valuable experience.
“With a number of starters and others who played significantly last year, we will lean on that defensive experience,” Isom said.
This season’s senior captains will have an important leadership role.
“This year’s seniors are lead-by-example workers,” Isom said. “They hold each other accountable and understand the importance of putting the team before themselves.”
Along with the upperclassmen, younger players are stepping into bigger roles this season. Sophomore offensive linemen Drew Engelman and Maddux Burden are two names to watch.
Engelman, who started in the opener as a sophomore, said that he’s excited about the opportunities ahead.
“Something that excites me the most about the upcoming season is the opportunity to be playing at places like the Star and Toyota,” Engelman said. He added that the team is “locked in and giving our all at practice,” with the ultimate goal to “reset the standard” and push deeper into the playoffs than in previous years.
Personally, Engelman hopes to earn first-team all-district honors and says his mentality has shifted over the offseason.
“I used to hate squat days,” he admitted, “but then I changed my mentality from ‘we have to do squat’ to ‘we get to do squat.’”
As the Wolverines move forward from their season-opening win, Coach Isom’s message is clear.
“We stand for our core values of Integrity, Commitment, Toughness, and Discipline,” he said.
With strong leadership, rising talent and a motivated roster, Wakeland football looks ready to live up to its motto to reset the standard.
