Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Polk County wide receiver and defensive back Damian McWilliams is only a sophomore, but he started eight games as a freshman and made 62 tackles to rank second on the team.To read about more schools, click here.
POLK COUNTY WILDCATS
Head coach: Rusty Brewer (0-20 here and overall)
Returning starters: 6 offensive; 6 defensive
Last year’s record: 0-10, did not qualify for playoffs
Key players: Damian McWilliams (6-0, 160) So. WR/DB, Tanner Goodman (5-10, 215) So. QB/DB, Ryan Cronan (5-11, 190) Jr. RB/DB, Colby Maynor (6-0, 190) Sr. K/P, Isaiah Watson (5-7, 145) Sr. RB/DB, Bo Frank (6-2, 270) Sr. OL/DL, Derek Burgess (5-10, 255) Jr. OL/DL
Season outlook: The Wildcats are ready to turn the page and get back in the win column after consecutive 0-10 seasons in which injuries proved costly.
Polk’s senior class was part of a six-win campaign as freshmen and will look to Frank, Maynor and Watson to help lead on and off the field.
Frank is an anchor on both lines and a four-year starter for a team that has plenty of game experience. Watson is one of the quickest players on the roster and will look to make big plays at running back, defensive back and as a returner on special teams. Maynor was the region’s special teams player of the year last season and has improved his kicking distance this offseason.
McWilliams started in eight games as a freshman last year, when his 62 tackles were second on the team. He will play all over the field on offense, as well as in the secondary and on special teams as a returner.
“This team returns a lot of experience,” Coach Brewer said. “We are going to play with effort and toughness. If we are competitive each week, good things will happpen.”