For the first time since their heartbreaking loss to Fayetteville in the state semifinals last November, the Conway Wampus Cats are set to strap up the pads once again this week. The team will begin the first of ten practices over the course of the next month. These practices will conclude with the annual Blue vs White Spring game on May 26th, the last day of school.

The Wampus Cats return many familiar faces from last year’s squad. In the backfield, quarterback Donovyn Omolo returns for his junior season, while the running back trio of Boogie Carr, Jaylen Chambers, and Lala Smith are all back for their senior years. Rome Fields and Chris O’Neal are expected to lead the wide receiving core for Conway, and starting tackles Aaron Smith and Sean Tufu return to sure up the offensive line.

On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive tackle combo of Demarkale Mckency and Kelgin Thomas return for their senior seasons, with edge rushers Preston Prock and Zy Blakley also set to make an impact. The linebacking core returns Wade Simpson along with Drew Canterbury. It is still unknown whether Garrett Sanders will be back for his senior season, but many close to the team expect him to return. In the secondary, multiple Cats will get their first experience in a starting role. Cornerback Quadrell Wilson returns as the lone starter remaining from last years defensive back group, with Hudson Wallace and John-Carter Kraft expected to step in to the starting safety roles. 

As the winter turns to spring, the Cats finally get to shake off the disappointment of last season and start a new journey. This week for Conway begins the long road to War Memorial Stadium to finally break the drought and win Conway its first state championship in almost 60 years.