By Warren Gross and Brian Baker(Whetstone Staff Writer)

Wesley Football is gearing up for another run at the national championship.

The team will be led by red shirt sophomore quarterback Joe Callahan, the team’s third quarterback in three seasons. After an opening night win vs. Widener and a dramatic victory over rival Salisbury, the Wolverines have started the season with two big wins over nationally ranked opponents.

However, Head Coach Mike Drass said he won’t let a young team get ahead of themselves.

“We have been very fortunate with our success the last nine seasons,” Drass said. “I would like to see us equal or surpass those past teams and win in the playoffs.”

Other teams will be giving the No. 5 ranked Wolverines everything they can handle throughout a tough schedule.

Junior running back Kennard Squirrell embraces the challenge.

“Our first three games are against ranked opponents (Widener, Salisbury, and Mary Hardin-Baylor),” he said. “We definitely have a target on our back.”

Drass said he knows that nothing is a given for his squad.

“We have no margin for error in our schedule,” he said. “We can’t have an off day with all the talented teams we have to play.”

Wesley retained some defensive and offensive leaders in All American linebacker Sosthene Kapepula, All American safety Jared Morris, and leading receiver Steve Koudossou.

“Our defense is young in a couple spots, but we do have lots of veteran leadership,” Drass said. “The biggest thing for us to staying healthy and developing our young players. They will be contributing a lot to the team as the season goes on.”

As far as the offense goes, Drass said he has little to worry about with Offensive Coordinator Chip Knapp running the show.

“I have complete confidence in the offense,” Drass said. “It’s a luxury to have a quality coach who can run that side of the ball.”

The offense is headed by Joe Callahan, who in two games has broken Wesley’s single-game passing records and delivered a final-minute comeback win.

“It’s his first year starting and he has a lot on his plate,” Squirrell said. “I’m expecting him to make the big plays we need.”

Callahan will have plenty of help with Steve Kuddossou, Matt Bundy, Ishamar Malcom, and Jeremiah Howe catching passes.

“As a defensive coach, I would hate to go against them,” Drass said. “Kuddossou and Bundy have great speed, and with those guys as vertical threats we open the field for Malcom and Howe to work underneath.”

Drass was especially pleased with Kuddossou, whom he felt has matured in his third year with the team.

“He had a great camp,” Drass said. “It really feels like he is pushing to be his best.”
Squirrell echoed the high expectations for the team.

“We want to reach the playoffs and win it all.”