By: Brian Baker (Whetstone contributor)

The Wesley Wolverines are eying a national championship title this year.

Last year the Wolverines went 12-2, coming a touchdown short against Mount Union from advancing to the Division III championship game. After coming so close to the finals, expectations from coaches, players, and students are high.

The Wolverines got off to a strong start this year with two consecutive wins, but dropped a tight contest Sept. 16 against Mary-Hardin Baylor, a team Wesley usually sees in the playoffs. While such a setback could potentially be damaging to any title dreams, the Wolverines still believe in themselves.

Wesley student Steven Penland, a sophomore, has faith in the team.

“They can most definitely bring home a title if they push to get it and get the job done,” he said. “The team losing to Mary-Hardin Baylor was a surprise, but anything can happen. That particular day just wasn’t it for Wesley.”

Head Coach Mike Drass is no stranger to the playoffs, reaching the semifinals in 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011. He also knows the importance of focusing on the now instead of looking ahead.

“Not to sound cliché, but we see it as a one game season each week,” Drass said. “It is a challenge.”

The team lost many contributing senior players from last year, but Drass is not worried.

“We have made adjustments in personnel, but not philosophy,” he said.

While Wesley’s margin for error has shrunk to almost nothing after the loss, the players are still confident that they can be the best team in the nation.

“There’s a difference on defense this year,” junior linebacker Dyamond Ruffin said. “We’re faster, definitely more athletic, and anybody can step up and play and get us a win, so I think we are better.”

Ruffin reinforced what everyone else on the team believes.

“We’re going all the way. There’s not a doubt in my mind.”

The Wolverines may be on their way: on Sept. 22, they defeated No. 25 Louisiana College 25-22, moving themselves up to No. 6 in the Division III rankings.