After a 1-2 preseason record, Plano West Varsity Football heads into district play with high goals for the rest of the season.

With previous losses to Mesquite and Keller, West ended their preseason with a strong 24-21 victory over the Mckinney Boyd Broncos. Justin Dewers, sophomore kicker, scored the game-winning field goal for the wolves and earned the team their first win of the season.

“After kicking the game-winning field goal, I felt very excited and proud,” said Dewers. “Once I made that kick, I knew that all those hours that I put into the skill didn’t go to waste. It also made me realize how much I love my team and the new sport that I play.”

Plano West welcomed back many returners for the 2022 season, including quarterback Vance Feuerbacher, running back Dermot White, and tight end Lucas Samsula. Taking on a leadership role as a senior, Feuerbacher shared his thoughts on the team’s strengths.

“As we go into district play, I’m very confident in two main things,” said Feuerbacher. “First off, our defense. I’m confident in them 100%. Second, I’m very confident in us running the ball.”

When it comes to running the ball, Dermot White and Feuerbacher have been a powerful offensive duo for Plano West in the past two seasons. Due to a pre-season injury, Suwi Musanda, senior, filled in for the wolves.

“I only played one game in our pre-season, but it felt amazing,” said White, who recently committed to the Air Force Academy. “I’m hoping to get back to playing as soon as possible so I can start contributing to the team again.”

With district play starting this week, the football team spent their bye-week working to improve different areas of their game.

“We can always improve our mental discipline and get rid of unnecessary penalties,” said White. “The way we are working on that is by taking our bye-week and not letting ourselves get relaxed just because we don’t have a game. We are still practicing hard and conditioning ourselves.”

With seven district games ahead of them, the Wolves are working towards a great 2022 season.

“The hope for this season is to be District Champions,” said Feuerbacher. “Even though we play in a very talented district, I think it’s a possibility.”