By: Orlando Rodriguez (Whetstone Contributor)

Danielle Reid
The Wolverines wasted no time making a statement in this year’s playoffs with two crushing wins in a row, the first, over Mount Ida 73-14, the second, a 56-6 win over Cortland State.

The No. 5-ranked Wolverines are heading into Texas and a tough opponent, No. 2-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor, in the National Quarterfinals Dec. 1.

Early in the year the Wolverines suffered their only loss of the season to Hardin-Baylor, 32-25.

The Wolverines say have learned from their lost and plan to bounce back in their rematch with The Crusaders.

“The big thing that held us back from winning against Mary Hardin-Baylor the first time was we could not execute on offense and that put the defense against the ropes,” said tightend Ishamar Malcolm. “But we went back and learned from the mistakes we made in Week 3 and we are practicing very hard to correct them and we are ready to come out on top in this quarterfinals rematch.”

With the 73 points Wesley racked up on the scoreboard during their first playoff game, fans might think it was all about offense. But it was the defense – after it gave up 14 points in the first half – that performed just as well.

“We were very successful in the first round,” said head coach Michael Drass. “I believe we just had a better team than they did, and I say that with no disrespect. I think our opponent was a young team and I am sure they will return to the post season and will be more competitive.”

Coaches and players say they can’t help but know this is the playoffs, but their practice routines remain basically the same.

“We really don’t do anything different as a as preparation for the playoffs,” Drass said. “But there is a big difference in a sense that there is a definite finality to the post season. The winner advances and the loser go home and their season is complete. “

The players seem to feel the same way as their coaching staff when it comes to preparation.

“I prepare for the playoffs the same way I would prepare for any other game,” said senior and quarterback Justin Sottilare. “I think keeping the same routine takes some of the pressure off. Obviously, everything is a little intensified because if we lose we go home but for the most part we prepare the same way.”

Players said they know what they have to do.

“It takes allot of work physically and mentally,” said junior tight end Ishamar Malcolm. “Watching film and practicing hard every day is only half of the battle. What makes it even harder is not losing track of your school work and learning to manage your time with balancing school and football.”

The playoffs also tend to make players more aggressive, even during practice.

“You can tell it’s the playoffs at practice,” Sottilare said`. “Everyone is a little more hyped and there is a little more trash talking. I think it is a good thing. It shows how much everyone cares and how much they have bought into it.”

Before the game against Mt. Ida, Sottilare’s last playoff game had been in 2010 when the Wolverines were sent home in the semifinals by a strong Wisconsin-Whitewater team, which ended up winning the championship.

“In 2010, I made a lot of mistakes with my progression and I took a couple extra chances that I shouldn’t have,” Sottilare said. “I learned a lot from that and I know when we play elite teams I need to be sharp and eliminate mistakes and turnovers. If I can do that, I know the rest of the team will do their part, as they have been doing all season, and we will advance.”