N3O2, meaning “Never Outworked,” is a mantra WHS football players stand by and their performance on Aug. 25 proved that.  

Rylen Renton (12) is the linebacker for the WHS football team. Renton went into the game with one goal and expectation: to “win,” he said. 

Despite the rain that fell heavily all day and continued during the game, the football team showed out.  Gavyn Helm (12) scored the first touchdown in the second quarter and tied the game 7-7. 

“Our offense did really well, held the ball for 19 minutes in the second quarter,” Brady Letofsky (12) stated. Helm continued to show out and scored another three points for the team with an outstanding field goal in the third quarter. The Wizards ended the game 10-7, taking the win. 

The week of practice leading up to the game obviously played a role in the student-athletes’ performance. “The week definitely has its ups and downs, like you guys could relate to as a student. You go to a math class and learn a new concept; it’s not easy the first day, but the second time you see it, it gets a little better,” head coach Chris Jones (staff) said.   

Jones said players practiced to not point fingers or blame others during practice and focused on how confidence plays a huge role while playing football.

The players started practicing for this season two weeks after their previous season ended last year. “During the summer we did conditioning, lifting and practices,” Renton said. 

The theme for the first football game of the season was “neon construction” and the student section showed their school spirit by dressing up in this theme. The student section was filled with bright colors and construction vests. 

Overall, the first Friday night lights of the WHS 2023 season was successful. The second game was against Longmont on Sept. 1, with a victory of 29-28. The season’s third game was against Fort Collins on Sept. 8, where the players won 26-24. The football team hopes to continue to add to their winning streak.