They haven’t started their final year in the classroom yet, but the incoming seniors on the West Central Valley Wildcats football team are already trying to make a good impression for their younger classmates. The Raccoon Valley Radio Network observed an hour and a half of the Wildcats midnight practice session last Monday and saw Carson Wadle and Cole Sackett teach their younger teammates what to do during specific drills. The two spoke with us during a severe weather break at 1:40 a.m. and both mentioned helping their younger teammates. Wadle is focusing on helping them understand the importance of getting the little things right. “We got to guide them too,” Wadle said, “It’s on us too. We got to guide them, and they have to listen.”

Sackett expands Wadle’s remarks. “One thing us seniors this year are talking about is leading the young guys and getting them on the right track,” Sackett said, “They’re going to be playing JV this year, and some may even start (varsity). They got to be with us, and we got to be with them. We have to be on the same page.”

The Wildcats are hoping to build on a 3-6 campaign last season. The West Central Valley football season opens Friday, August 24 in Urbandale against nondistrict foe Des Moines Christian.