A new school year means a fresh start for fall athletics, bringing renewed energy and attention to Millard West’s varsity football squad. With significant roster changes and key players departing, the team is prepared to confront new challenges and redefine their identity on the field.
In the 2023 season, the Wildcats were led by former senior Brody Peterson at quarterback, accompanied by his main offensive weapons in running back Bobby Joseph and wideout Jackson Williams. This trio led Millard West to a strong 7-2 regular season record while picking up the fifth seed in last year’s Class A State football playoffs where they would fall in the semi-finals to the eventual state champions, the Westside Warriors. During the offseason, large pieces of talent graduated or transferred on both sides of the ball, leaving many fans worried and questioning how this new squad would handle the competition.
This year’s iteration of Wildcat football has a whole new look. Behind center, a new signal caller will replace Peterson for the first time in almost three years. Senior quarterback David James Schiemann has been confirmed to start week one for Wildcats against the Mustangs who in a matchup they’ve been anticipating all off-season.
“When the schedules came out and saw our two rivals were our first two games, we knew that we were going to work harder and harder every single day this summer,” Schiemann said. “We know that Millard North got new coaches so that means they probably won’t be running their old stuff anymore which will make it hard for our offense and defense. Millard North has talent all over the field and we got to have the right players on the field to be able to hang with them. The same goes with Millard South, they’re probably one of the best teams in the state and we have to prepare ourselves. Overall, our team is just focusing on one week at a time and we are excited to play both teams.”
As for the rushing attack, senior Jake Blackman looks to be the primary man in the backfield for the Cats behind a young and promising offensive line that features a few pieces with quality experience such as senior and Minnesota State Moorhead commit Brady McDonnell.
“We’re fired up for the challenge to show people who we really are,” Blackman said. “I’ve never lifted so hard in the weight room and I’m also in the best shape of my life right now. I’ve tried to step up as well as the other senior offensive players in leading the team.”
Many of the notable transfers out of Millard West this offseason consisted of integral parts on the defensive side of the ball. Players such as sophomore cornerback Bryson Williams flipped to Westside while senior defensive linemen Elijah Malesa and Braedyn Kiger departed for rival Millard South.
“Communicating well on our side of the ball is going to be our key to efficiency this season,” senior linebacker Aaron Heiss said. “Given that we had nine starting seniors last year, it gives everyone an opportunity to prove and work for a spot in our defense.
As the Wildcats work to establish their new identity, head coach Kirk Peterson remains focused on the season ahead. Even with the team facing both rivals in Millard North and South in the first two weeks, his insight on their preparation extends further than the first two games.
“We have nine weeks to prepare for – not just two,” Peterson said. “Hopefully, this group learned from the group that came before them, we talk about that a lot. Learn from those that played before you in terms of preparation and effort. If we can do that, we’ll be in a position to be successful.”
As the season continues to inch closer, the Cats remain focused not just on their early rivalries, but the entire season while looking to silence all of the doubters. Millard West will host Millard North at Buell Stadium on Aug 30; You can tune in to the Wildcat Sports Network for live coverage now streaming on HUDL.
