With the ultimate sights being set to host a playoff football game, Winside will be taking it one game at a time while also remaining healthy for the entire season.
NSAA fall practices began on August 11 where a 21-man roster began with helmet-only practices early in the week before adding the shoulder pads just two days in.
Head coach Mike Naeve will be entering his seventh season leading the Wildcats.
He will call the offense while assistants Dylan Woodall will lead the defense and new assistant Jace Mohr (WSC student) will lead the special teams.
The four seniors are Jayden Aschoff (QB), Bill Pace (OL/DL), Aden Sellin (LB/DT/Line/FB) and Matthew Gubbels (TE/LB/FB).
"The upperclassmen have bought into the program, said Naeve. "When it comes down to running plays and things of that nature they know what's going on. They help the younger kids out and then the younger kids learn from our older kids."
Winside attended the Wayne State College eight-man team camp over the summer. Following a slow start in the morning, coaches were pleased with a productive afternoon and how the camp turned out.
Winside finished 4-5 last season following a first round Class D2 playoff loss at Riverside (68-16).
The Wildcats have qualified for the postseason five straight years.
"Last year the injury bug affected us," Naeve added. "We had a different starting offense or defense in five out of eight games due to shifting bodies around."
During the first week of fall practices, the Winside football team is going through the acclimation time especially with the younger kids. Coaches are letting them see and get additional some reps in. When the pads are put on, that will show who is ready to play.
With two key spots on the line gone, coaches have been focused in building up their front while Aschoff will be confident at the quarterback position along with quality running backs.
"Excited for the seniors to see what they can do," Naeve mentioned. "We will need some more running back and also defensive back positions to step up. We have the ability but need to build more confidence and reading keys."
Two of the seniors, Jayden Aschoff (QB) and Matthew Gubbels (utility player) have been working on their footwork along with additional stability while getting ready for the fall season.
"Getting chemistry back together and getting the guys back out," said Aschoff. "Just working together and getting in shape."
"Got to get our conditioning back," said Gubbels. "Getting ready to get back into the drills and getting everyone back into the stability and footwork."
Both stated their teammates are great and will work with their underclassmen to continue to learn and perfect the small details.
Both wanted to thank their support system.
"Thanks for coming out and they always show up and support us," said Aschoff. "They do great with getting us meals and I love how they show out for games," said Gubbels.
The Wildcats will open their season in Humphrey against Archangels Catholic on Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m.
"Just believe in your kids, believe in us and just have faith we're going to get things done to the best of our ability," said Naeve.
