Rebuild or reload?
It’s a question facing high school football programs each fall — and for most teams, the time to rebuild eventually comes.
The Wells Warriors are certainly not most teams and they are looking to prove that again this season.
Coming off back-to-back state championships, the Warriors have started the 2018 campaign with a perfect 4-0 record — outscoring opponents 164-45 — and they are the favorite to win another Gold Ball.
“It’s just the same old Wells football,” said Wells senior left tackle Nathan Curtis. “Same plays, everything like that, we just have new people filling in.”
The play of the Wells offensive line — led by Curtis and fellow seniors Morgan Welch-Thompson and Dylan Whitney — has been a major reason why the Warriors can continue to reload year after year.
“We’re a really good line. We’re amazing blockers and just super explosive out of the hole,” said Welch-Thompson, who is the Warriors’ starting right tackle.
The Warriors might not have the biggest line in the state, but they believe in their ability to get the job done.
“We never really had a lot of size in any other spots besides Morgan, but we had three returning starters and technique over size is really what we work on,” said Curtis.
The Wells O-line has paved the way for the backs and receivers, who have averaged over 400 yards of offense through the first four games.
“We have a great core group of lineman … and in typical Wells fashion (we have) a guard who weighs 160 pounds (Whitney). We are not big, but they use great technique,” said Wells coach Tim Roche, who also counts on junior center Cam Barker and junior guard Joshua Martinez.
The Warriors believe their strength and conditioning program has helped keep them from suffering through a rebuilding season.
“Our weight room is amazing. Everyone is in it. We’re always conditioning before practice,” said Welch-Thompson. “We’re just trying our best — 150 percent at practice, 150 percent in the weight room and out on the field.”
“It’s just conditioning really,” added Curtis. “We’re a second-half team most of the time. A lot of teams quit in the second half and we’ll just keep running down their throat.”
Last year, Nolan Potter ran for more than 1,500 yards and 28 touchdowns to lead the way for the Warriors. The 2017 Fitzpatrick Trophy finalist now resides in Lewiston as a member of the Bates College football team — he is unfortunately out for the year with an injury — but Wells has been in good hands with his replacement.
Senior Tyler Bridge has already racked up more than 800 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
“I think they are both amazing players,” said Welch-Thompson of Potter and Bridge. “I think Tyler is definitely faster, but Nolan was more of a tank kind of (running back) … (although) Tyler (can also run) with a bunch of people on his back. We lost (someone) super good, but we also have (someone) amazing.”
“(Bridge is a) a great back. He’s extremely fast and elusive,” added Curtis.
Curtis and Welch-Thompson know the Warriors have a target on their backs with all of their recent success, but they are confident they can handle it.
“It’s a lot of pressure for sure. It’s on our shoulders as the seniors, so it’s pretty tough to deal with but I know we will pull through and hopefully go to the championship,” said Welch-Thompson.
Before they worry about chasing another Gold Ball, the Warriors have a tough test with Class D South rival Lisbon/St. Dominic’s tonight — and they are thrilled to be celebrating Military Appreciation Night when they welcome in the Greyhounds.
“It’s always a special night because (members) of my family have been in the military,” said Curtis, whose brother Mike, a former Wells standout and current college wrestler, signed up for the Army last year.
The Warriors want to put on a show for the heroes that come watch them play.
“It means a lot. We try and win the game for them because for some of them they didn’t get a parade after the war, so this is kind of like their parade,” said Welch-Thompson. “To make them happy and honor them, we will try to win the game.”
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 780-9017. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.