#HSFT21 Stop #42 — East Webster Wolverines

https://cdn.field59.com/WCBI/1628535426-e0d0382c663e186e39fa39010e46a19e03baf36a_fl9-720p.mp4 MABEN, Miss. (WCBI) –The East Webster Wolverines aren’t taking anything for granted. “We are very fortunate to get to play this wonderful game of football,” East Webster head football coach Ron Price said. “When you have something taken away from you, it makes you appreciate it a whole lot.” In 2020, the Wolverines were one of many teams that fell victim to cancellations due to COVID-19. As a result, East Webster had to forfeit two games at the beginning of district play. Following the Wolverines return, East Webster won four straight before losing to Calhoun City in the 3rd round of the 2A playoffs. “That was very difficult as a coach to sit your team down and explain that to them, but at least we got to have a season last year. Our seniors got to play their final season. You know, never take anything for granted,” Price said. “Get over the hump of the third round pretty much,” senior WR/S Carter Flora said is the goal for the Wolverines this season. As East Webster prepares for the upcoming season, the Wolverines have to replace former quarterback Steven Betts. In 2020, Betts racked up nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and 19 touchdowns. With Betts gone, there’s a quarterback competition brewing in Maben. “Luke McKee will be a senior. Judd Azlin will be a junior. We’re going to let those guys start battling it out next Monday at practice. They’ve been fighting all summer. They’re neck and neck right now. Competition is the best thing in the world. I look forward to those guys battling it out every day at practice,” Price said. In years past, the Wolverines have sported a run-heavy offense. However, following the departures of Betts along with former running back Tyrik Pittman, East Webster is still in search of its offensive identity. “We’ve got to improve a little bit on the passing game,” senior LB/RB Zy Ford said. “We’ve got some great receivers. We just added a great receiving coach so hopefully everything goes well there this season.” “I feel like we have the parts to step in and just figuring out what our identity is going to be. Every coach wants to be able to throw the football, but sometimes you just have to do what works. As we move forward from week to week, we’ll try to see what’s working and just try to improve on that,” Price said. While the offense remains a question mark, the Wolverines are excited about the team’s defense this season despite replacing the defensive line. “We’re super talented at the linebacker positions. We’re talented on the backend and the secondary. We’ve got several seniors that start for us on defense. So yes, I do hope our defense can get us going early this season,” Price said. “We’ll have great experience and have a great time on defense,” Ford said. East Webster’s season begins with a road game at South Pontotoc on August 27th. “From the start when we touch the field its time to execute until the final horn sounds,” Ford said.