There is talent all over Wayne County, but there is something special about the Wayne County Athletic League. In a high school football landscape where conferences are constantly changing, the same eight schools have made up the WCAL since the 1970s, providing one of the best small-school atmospheres on the field year after year.
Here is a guide to the 2024 WCAL football season:
The preseason DR 22: Top players from the Wayne/Holmes region before the 2024 season
Expected order at the finish
1. Dalton
The reigning Division VII runner-up, who has won at least four of the last five league titles, is once again the team to beat. With a new coach and a new system, the Bulldogs will look different, but they still have the athletes, depth and strength on offense to beat teams in a variety of ways. Last year: 1st, 7-0.
2. Norwegian
Dalton and Norwayne have been at the top of the league for a decade and that shouldn’t change this year. The Bobcats don’t have quite the depth they’ve had in years past, but they have as much top-tier talent as anyone and will be tough to beat at the line of scrimmage. Last year: 2nd, 6-1.
3. Rittmann
Rittman has waited a long time for this year. The graduating class is the strongest and best the program has come through in a long time, led by one of the conference’s best players, Artie Sonego. There are still plenty of hurdles to get to the true upper echelons of the league – Dalton and Norwayne both beat Rittman in 2023 – but this is Rittman’s best shot at a league title in decades. Last year: t-4th, 3-4.
4. Hillsdale
The Falcons have been one of the most consistent teams in the WCAL over the past decade, but haven’t won a share of the league title since 2014. With key players back on the field in 2023 after an eight-win season, the Falcons will challenge the big boys at the top of the conference and have the potential to make that push. Last year: 3rd, 5-2.
5. Smithville
In recent seasons, bad luck with injuries has derailed some of Smithville’s best chances, but the team has still managed to remain stable, finishing with a .500 or better record in two consecutive years. While the Smithies don’t have the best playmakers like some of the top contenders, they have the depth and toughness to last much of the league. Last year: t-4th, 3-4.
6. Chippewa
After Chippewa barely had enough players to practice with at points last season due to injuries and a small roster, the team is hungry to put the past behind them. With starters on both sides of the ball returning at every level, the Chipps are experienced and ready to make progress. Last year: 8th, 0-7.
7. Waynedale
The Golden Bears have size up front, but the big factor will be finding players at the skill positions who make plays. If they can find a few standout players at key positions, they’ll be able to win some league games. Last year: t-4., 3-4.
8. Northwest
It will be another rebuilding year for Northwestern, as the last few seasons have seen the graduation of some of the best talent in a long time. The Huskies should be able to stay in the game with big plays from their wide-open offense. Last year: 7th, 1-6.
Eight players you can’t miss
Mason Haines, Smithville
After showing a lot of effort in his first two semesters, Haines has the potential to have a breakout year on a team whose strength should be running the ball.
Mason Moyer, Norwegian
Looked like one of the best running backs in the league last season in a supporting role behind Dillon Morlock and should have a great performance in his final year as the linchpin of one of the region’s best offenses.
Dylan Smith, Norwegian
No matter where he plays on offense, Smith will undoubtedly make big plays. As a junior, he was the best big-play receiver and defensive back in the WCAL and has a rare feel for the ball.
Sammy Tomlinson, Dalton
While new Dalton coach Ray Leek favors a more open offense, expect the ball to end up in Tomlinson’s hands often, one way or another. Tomlinson is tenacious and explosive and has the potential to be the league’s best running back as a senior.
Coy Wenger, Dalton
If there’s a breakout candidate on offense, it’s Wenger. He’s been getting more involved over the course of last season, and his speed and athleticism as a receiver make him one of the biggest misses in the WCAL.
Owen Sloan, Hillsdale
There is no shortage of talented, experienced running backs in the WCAL, and Sloan fits the bill for Hillsdale. Another player who made the team as a freshman, Sloan knows what it takes to become a big first-team player as a junior.
Artie Sonego, Rittman
It was no secret that the ball went to Rittman’s star running back most of the time in 2023, and it didn’t matter. Sonego is strong enough to move the pile a few yards when there’s nothing there, and if a tackler misses, he can outrun defenders all the way to the end zone.
Five games you can’t miss
Rittman at Waynedale, Week 4 (September 13)
Waynedale’s 12-7 win in 2023 was one of the biggest upsets of the season and prevented an even bigger breakout year from Rittman. If Rittman wants to reach his potential, this is being circled as a statement game.
Dalton at Hillsdale, Week 5 (September 20)
The last time Dalton traveled to Hillsdale, it suffered its most recent conference loss – its only WCAL loss in the last three years. The Falcons would love to snap the Bulldogs’ WCAL winning streak, which currently stands at 11 games.
Rittman at Chippewa, Week 6 (September 27)
Rittman ended a 10-game losing streak in this rivalry last season with a resounding 41-0 victory in 2023. With a more competitive Chippewa team and a Rittman team with high expectations, this game will generate a lot of excitement.
Norwayne at Dalton, Week 8 (October 11)
Not much needs to be said. It’s been the biggest game in Wayne County for several years and has become one of the best rivalries in WCAL football history. Especially after a classic game in 2023 that came down to the last play, all eyes will be on the Bulldogs and Bobcats at McFarren Field in mid-October.
Norwayne at Hillsdale, Week 10 (Oct. 25)
It’s been almost impossible for Hillsdale to go wrong against Norwayne over the past few seasons, and they’re looking to change that this year. Especially if the Falcons play to their full potential, this Week 10 game is likely the most WCAL title-impacting game for both sides.
