The Nitro Wildcats football team, under fifth-year head coach Boom McKinney, is looking to build on a successful 10-win season where they reached the Class AAA quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years. Despite losing their top passer and rusher, the team returns a significant portion of its roster. The offense, which averaged over 45 points per game last season, will be led by senior and WVU commit Malachi Thompson, an award-winning receiver who is working on expanding his route-running skills. Senior Eian Duffy will step in as the new quarterback, and the team also welcomes back former Hurricane lineman Da’Ron Parks, a Florida State commit, to bolster the offensive line. On the defensive side, the Wildcats bring back their top two tacklers, Wyatt Sowards and Xavier Patterson, who were key to a unit that held opponents to 13 points or less in seven games last year. With the return of key players and the addition of Parks, the team is optimistic about its chances in the competitive Class AAA class, with a stated goal of reaching the state championship.