Countdown to Kick-Off: 6 Days

The Mulvane Wildcats won 11 games in a row before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Ulysses last season in the playoffs. In the off-season they suffered another huge loss when running back Huldon Tharp went down in camp. But the Wildcats are ready to prove themselves capable, even without Tharp. We caught up with coach Dave Fennewald to find out how practices have been going: "This time off the year I think everybody is kind off in the same boat because your defense is way ahead of your offense," said Fennewald. "That's kind of where we are right now. Our defense is running to the ball nicely and pass coverage is great." On strong defensive newcomers: "Mic Belden was injured last year and couldn't play, but he has really stepped up at outside linebacker," said Fennewald. On the offensive progress: "On offense we're throwing the ball really well right now," said Fennewald. "Last year we ran to set up the pass, but this year it might be the other way around." On the replacements for Tharp at running back: "We still give the ball to some of the same kids, Mitchell Simon and Dylan Hagerman," said Fennewald. "Those guys have been getting most of the reps." On the season opener against Great Bend: "I really like playing Great Bend right off the bat," said Fennewald. "We feel like we've made some giant steps in the past few years and playing Great Bend will really let us know how good of a football team we are real early." The Wildcats have only one more week left to prepare for the Panthers, then it's game time.