Warriors excited about large turnout, potential of 2013 squad

WASILLA — From the thrill of winning a conference championship to the pains of a 1-7 campaign, during the last two seasons the Wasilla Warriors have experienced it all.

Led by a group of veterans who have been through the joy of victory and the painful losses, head coach Kent Rilatos is excited about the potential of his 2013 squad.

“We have four or five players who played on that championship squad, got to see the highs and some of the lows,” Rilatos said during his team’s practice Wednesday. “They know what it takes to be a champion. They understand nothing’s a substitute for hard work.”

Rilatos said experience on both ends of the spectrum have helped build a better program.

“We’re a family-oriented team. The unity of our team, that’s what I’m excited about,” Rilatos said.

Rilatos is also thrilled by the number of athletes who have hit the field for practice.

“We have 118 on the books, and about nine more have shown up in the last few days. They have to turn in their paperwork to be eligible. We’re hoping to top off at 125. Now it’s a matter of getting gear for the 125,” Rilatos said. “It’s probably one of the largest (teams) we’ve had since I’ve been at Wasilla. It’s great. When we split off into varsity, (junior varsity) and C-team groups, they have full groups to scrimmage against.”

Rilatos praised his assistant coaches, many who work full-time at Wasilla High, for getting more players interested in football.

“We’re blessed with numbers. I attribute our numbers to having four coaches in the building. Coaches carrying their love for the game of football, and bringing more kids out for football,” Rilatos said. “I’m excited to see those numbers, kids wanting to play football.”

Rilatos said he hopes depth will be a key for the Warriors this season.

Last season, after beating Bartlett 21-14 in its season opener, the Warriors suffered through a seven-game losing streak. But even though the Warriors finished 1-7, Wasilla averaged more than 26 points per game.

Wasilla did graduate quarterback Ben Fielder, who finished among the state leaders with 1,410 yards passing and 17 touchdown throws in 2012. But the Warriors return their leading rusher and top three receivers from 2012.

Senior Cash McGregor set a school record with 40 catches as a junior tight end with the Warriors. He also finished with 583 yards rushing and nine touchdown grabs. McGregor will continue to play a leading role in the passing game, but Rilatos said the senior will also carry the ball as well.

Senior Mitchell Rilatos returns after leading the Warriors with 761 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Rilatos was also the team’s second leading receiver with 17 catches for 215 yards.

Wide receiver Isaiah Dawkins is also a senior. He finished among team leaders with 16 catches, 306 yards and six touchdowns.

Rilatos also noted senior Cody Dedrick, who finished with six catches as a junior.

Rilatos expects the Warriors to have a deep crew in the backfield, a group that also includes junior Devin Otto.

“Our varsity depth chart could be six deep at running back,” Rilatos said.

A pair of upperclassmen are fighting for the opportunity to replace Fielder at quarterback. Senior Josiah Williams and junior Blake Marks are both vying for time behind center, Rilatos said.

The offensive line will receive a boost by the return of senior Quace Wright, who finished second on the squad in rushing as Wasilla’s fullback last season.

Wright will help anchor an offensive front that will also include senior center Ryan Kincannon, senior guard Billy Schultz and senior tackle Matt Sharpe.

Rilatos said about four players are still in the hunt for the final tackle spot.

Rilatos said the Warriors have worked hard to improve a defense that struggled last season. McGregor and Wright are among veterans expected to play key roles in Wasilla’s 4-3 set.

McGregor, a second-team all-conference linebacker last year, will be used at linebacker and safety this year.

“He’s so multitalented, we can put him pretty much everywhere,” Rilatos said.

Wright will be the team’s middle linebacker.

“Quace is a unique blend,” Rilatos said. “You look at him and think he’s not very fast. But as other team’s in the Valley know, he’s an amazing athlete.”

Wasilla begins its 2013 season Aug. 17 against West Anchorage in Anchorage, and opens its home schedule Aug. 23 against Kenai at Veterans Memorial Field.

The Warriors begin Railbelt Conference play against rival Colony in Week 3.

Head coach: Kent Rilatos

2012 finish: 1-7 (0-6 in Railbelt)

Key returners: Cash McGregor, Sr., TE/S; Mitchell Rilatos, Sr., RB; Quace Wright, Sr., OL/LB; Isaiah Dawkins, Sr., WR/DB.

Key losses: Ben Fielder, QB; Austin Ring, OL/DL; Alex Fuller, RB/LB.