When you go 8-5 and make it to the Class 2A state quarterfinals, and only lose three seniors to graduation, expectations are supposed to be high — and they are for the Vian Wolverines for the 2024 season.

“We expect (success in 2024), returning that many returning starters (only losing two starters on offense and one on defense),” Vian coach Gary Willis said. “They should progress, and they have. We’ve seen it with weight gain and maturity. We have a good outlook for the year. We have high expectations. Now, the kids have to go do their part. Vian is excited.”

The two players lost to graduation on offense was not quarterback Masyn Wright, who is back for his junior season.

“Masyn Wright will be our quarterback,” Willis said. “Cash Trammel will play some quarterback. It’s kind of a two-quarterback system. That allows us to move Masyn around to do other things with him, but Masyn will play a lot at quarterback.”

A familiar face will spearhead the group of running backs for the Wolverines.

“Draighton Fletcher will be in the backfield,” Willis said. “There will be times he and Masyn will both be at running back in a two-back set with Cash at quarterback. Then, we’ll also have Masyn at quarterback and Draighton by himself in a one-back set.”

The key receiver for Wright a season ago is also one of those among the returning starters.

“Jacob Brannick is a receiver,” Willis said. “Kaden Fulbright will play the other flanker spot. They split time with Adoff Stahl. Trace Sanders will start in different packages when we don’t use a tight end. Tristan Wiley is out tight end when we go more into a run set. Tristan is moving from H-back. Riley Ellis will come in at H-back.”

Another one of the offensive strengths for the Wolverines will be along the line of scrimmage.

“We return four of the five starters from last year,” Willis said. “We lost Lane Jameson, but we replaced him with our starting tight end from last year, Peyton Johnson. So, we do have five returning starters back, but one is changing positions. Garrit Hunt will play center. Max Ross will play left guard. Peyton Johnson will be left tackle. Coming over to the right side, we have Cash Collins at right guard and Nate Cheater is at right tackle.”

While the potent offense was a show to watch for Vian fans last year, the Wolverines also played stellar defense on most nights.

“At this time of the year, the defense is a little ahead of the offense at this time of the year,” Willis said. “Our defense is looking sharp and playing fast and aggressive. We think that will continue coming over from the spring.”

Just about all the starters for this year did so in 2023.

“Nate Cheater will play nose tackle,” Willis said. “Peyton Johnson will play at defensive tackle. Our ends will be Tristan Wiley and Cash Collins. Riley Ellis will be middle linebacker. Trace Sanders right now is at the ‘Sam’ (strongside) linebacker. Tyson Murphy, a move-in, is playing weak-side linebacker.”

Willis believes the strength of the defensive unit is its defensive backfield.

“We have some good depth,” Willis said. “I feel really good about our safeties. We have Draighton Fletcher and Masyn Wright starting at the safeties. Jacob Brannick will be at one corner (cornerback position), and Adoff Stahl is at the other corner (cornerback position).”