Wesley College hits the field for its first test of the 2015 football Saturday afternoon when it calls on Frostburg State.
The Wolverines have high expectations again this season. They start the year ranked 5th nationally in Division III and a legitimate national title contender – in part because of senior quarterback Joe Callahan. Head coach Mike Drass says the preseason All-American is a difference maker.
“I mean, heck, he’s passed for over 4,000 yards and 46 touchdowns. There are not a lot of guys in Division III that have done that," said Drass. "We rely on his leadership and knowledge of the offense to move the ball. He knows the job he has to do and we’re very confident he can do it.”
But Drass says Callahan's talent and leadership is no guarantee of success and Wesley's ranking puts a target on the squad – a target the Wolverines need to show they can handle.
“I know in Frostburg right now they’re chomping at the bit, saying let’s knock off the #5 team in the country. We have to go out there and prove who we are. That #5 stuff, that’s last year’s team. This year’s team has to create its own identity.”
Drass adds that his team has another challenge. It’s Wesley’s first year in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) after four years playing as an independent.
The Wolverines first NJAC game is Saturday's noon kick-off at Frostburg. The Bobcats are 1-oh after winning their opener 52-21 over Geneva last week.
