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PADEN CITY, W.Va. (WTRF) — It’s been a rollercoaster of a summer for the Paden City Wildcats.
This biggest question was, of course, would they have a team?
Well, the Cats were given the green light earlier this month, and although it’s been a scramble, they will be ready to go this weekend.
With several kids returning at key positions, Sports Reporter Dan Mayeres says it could be a season to remember.
With the season set to get underway in just over 24 hours, the Wildcats have already cleared their share of hurdles to get on the field this year.
Not many teams have to face the roadblocks and uncertainty that were handed to these kids and their coaches over the summer.
With no access to the school’s weight room and the session temporarily canceled, the players remained determined. They had to find other facilities for their off-season conditioning.
The persistence paid off. The ruling was returned on July 31st, and the Cats were back in business.
It’s really been tough. When the school was shut down, we weren’t allowed to do anything with the kids so we actually lost 26 days that were flex days. We had to scramble to get a schedule. So it’s like starting a whole new program.”
Rod Casto, Head Football Coach, Paden City
Ron Casto takes over as head coach after serving thirty-two years as an assistant. The Cats are coming off an impressive 8-2 season and return several key players.
They have around 18 players, including eight returning lettermen.
The offense will be led by senior quarterback Kayden Myers. He is a three-year starter with a strong arm and a threat to run.
They’ll be looking to get the ball into Brayden Neff’s hands. The junior speedster has big-play ability and will see time at running back and wide receiver.
Another returner is Jun or Jessup Higgins. Casto says he is fast with great hands and will also play running back and receiver.
The cats also have some size and up-front experience.
Leading the way is senior Isaiah ” Tater” Brady. The big man is a two-way tackle that will anchor the line.
Returning at center is Junior, Jakob Billiter. Garrett Parrish, Skyler Wright and Brady Pennell round out the group up front.
With our line being experienced, that is going to help alot. We changed a few things since coach Price left, but basically, we kept our line calls and everything the same.”
Rod Casto, Head Football Coach, Paden City
Most of the offense starters will play defense, with Brady and Neff leading the way.
Overall, the players say they are grateful to have the opportunity to take the field this year and are looking for big things this year.
Everybody is thrilled to death. They want football to get going and we got 100% backing.”
Rod Casto, Head Football Coach, Paden City
The Cats open the season Saturday when they take on Fox-Fire from the Zanesville, Ohio area.
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