The 2012-2013 Plano West Wolves are starting this football season off with two wins and two losses. This team is projected by many to be a redemption team, showing potential to make it into the playoffs and maybe even vie for a District title.
If the Wolves make the playoffs this year, they will effectively end a two year stretch of not qualifying. With strong players who have known and felt the pressures of football since as early as their middle school days, the team is confident in what this season will bring.
“Playoffs are looking good for us,” senior wide receiver Trevor Thomas said. “We are going against some tough teams in district, but we are putting in the work to make sure we make it to playoffs and go far.”
One tough team in particular is Allen High School’s football team. Allen has won the District title for the past few years and is looking to win again. However, West’s plans may propose a threat for them.
“Allen is really good,” head coach Mike Hughes said. “Last year when we went up to Allen, we had an opportunity to beat them with a key turnover around the third quarter, so we are excited to go up there and play them again.”
Another highly anticipated game is the Plano West vs. Plano Senior game.
“I have been to all the games and I think this year’s team is great,” junior drill team member Michelle Zhou said. “I think our biggest rivalry is against Plano Senior, but I am sure we will win this year, just like we did last year.”
The West vs. Senior game is a season highlight for both the spectators and the players.
“It is always fun going against Plano, considering we have grown up playing against them or with them,” Thomas said. “When we play against Plano Senior, we come with that extra toughness that overpowers them every year. There is no question who will win.”
Among West’s advantages this year are sophomore “Soso” Jamoba and junior Auston Anderson, who have both set high expectations. Together, the two are projected to not only help catapult this year’s team to many victories but also future teams.
“Soso and Auston are really going to be good,” Hughes said. “They have played well this year. It is going to be interesting to watch them develop and grow and I think they have an opportunity to be a couple of the best in the state.”
West still has two more games left, one against Plano and one against Plano East. Based on the results West has had this season, two more wins are within reach, which would allow an advance into the playoffs, as was predicted by many at the start of the school year.
“We are very driven and motivated,” Thomas said. “We know what a loss feels like, and we are willing to go harder in practice and give it our all to ensure we do not lose again. We are ready to take our talents to the next level and go deep into playoffs.”
