The Florala Wildcats pulled off more wins last year than the previous two seasons combined and look to build off of that success in 2018.

“This team is going to have a chance to turn some heads this year,” second year head coach Scott Mason said. “Last year, we got our feet wet a litte, but we will open it up more this year.”

The team finished last year with a 3-6 record after going winless in 2016.

The offense saw a big uptick during the 2017 season as they scored 306 points as opposed to just 65 points in 2016.

This year, Mason said the team’s offense will be open.

“We have to move on to the next level,” Mason said. “This year, we will be more multiple offensively. We will open it up a little more this year. What we did last year worked well, but we have to be more multiple this year.”

Mason said that the players are focused on being successful.

“The kids understand a lot more about what we are doing this year,” Mason said. “They have a grasp on what it is that we are trying to do. We are going to have to have to adjust at the line more than we did last year, and the kids understand more about how to makes those adjustments on the fly.”

Mason said that the team has been working hard to improve before the season begins.

“These kids have been really working hard in the weight room and the field,” Mason said. “We’ve had guys coming in the moring and some in the afternoon. Both have been really good groups. They are excited about the opportunties.”

One player that Mason said has continued to improve has been quarterback Jacob Hammac.

“Jacob (Hammac) has been really working hard to get better,” Mason said. “He has a solid grasp of what we are doing. He reaally impressed some college coaches recently at a camp at Samford University. He also won the long ball competition at the camp. The kid is really growing up. He has put on about 25 pounds of muscle this year. We are going to make the adjustments that we have to make to get him in the position to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers.”

The players and coaches are aware that they have chance to be a special team this year, Mason said.

“I really think this team could have one the best seasons in recent history,” Mason said. “We still have a long way to go, especially on defense, but we are going to be able to score on anyone. The team is excited about the opportuniy this year. It’s a lot easier to put in the sweat when you know you have a chance to win.”

Mason said that the sky could be the limit for the team.

“I really think that we could be a playoff team this year,” Mason said. “You never know with kids, but if we stay focused and healthy then we should be a really good team. We have too many playmakers to not be a good team. We don’t have the most depth so avoiding injuries will be crucial, but this is a team that could make a playoff run.”

The team will continue to work out and prepare for the upcoming season.

“We have a couple of camps that we will attend,” Mason said. “We are going to a 7-on-7 in Mobile at South (Alabama) and one at Birmingham Southern. There have been several kids that have also attended indiviual camps. This kids are excited about this year and they are putting in the work to get better.”

The Wildcats will open up the season against St. Michaels at home on Aug. 24.

On Aug. 31, the Wildcats will host Cottage Hill Christian.

The Wildcats then open up region play on Sept. 7 with a road trip to Georgiana.