Currently 5-2 in Non-Conference and Conference play, our football team at Wakefield High School is exceeding expectations. Big wins over Holly Springs 35-21, Southern Durham 27-26, Durham Riverside 36-6, Sanderson 33-14, and Enloe 47-0. Although fans were disappointed with the homecoming loss against Wake Forest , it’s not a hard task to see Wakefield’s football program venture deep into the 4A state playoffs.

“This season we’re focused on being more offensively consistent,” said Head Coach Rodney Sink. “Last season we were up and down. We threw more picks then I can remember.”

Junior Matt McKay, Wakefield’s returning starting Quarterback, is looking forward to the upcoming Cap-8 season with optimism.

“I’m expecting a lot of big things,” said McKay. “I just want to compete with my team and do the best we can.”

The 6 foot 3 inch junior also has improved in the past year and has grasped the attention of some big name college programs like UNC, ECU, Wake Forest, and NC State.

“I believe I don’t turnover the ball like I used to, I make better decisions with my throws and I have better judgment on when to run and when to pass,” said McKay. “I don’t play for myself, I’m playing for my teammates, The Wackos, Teachers and The Wakefield Community as a whole”.

Senior Punter Hunter Stephenson, a first year punter, started his senior season with zero games under his belt and quite a bit of nerve.

“Becoming an All-Conference punter is my goal right now,” said Stephenson. “Working hard at practice day in and day out is what I need to do to achieve that goal.”

The senior recently earned a spot in the News & Observer’s “Three Who Mattered” in an extraordinary game played vs. Southern Durham. During Wakefield’s first Cap-8 game vs Sanderson, Stephenson landed a punt on the 1-yard line.

One thing Wakefield’s always been notorious for is a  lively student section.

“I think if we get more people to come out, and everyone cheering it will make the players play harder and help us win more games,” said Drew Begin, Senior Wacko.

Senior Parker Chesnutt also gave some advice to the student body.

“Everyone gets hype,” said Chesnutt, “even though we were hype last game we can get even more hype next game, we are a lot louder this year then we were last year and I think people won’t be leaving the games early.”

Parker also had had some advice for freshmen who are having trouble getting into the Wacko Spirit at games.

“First of all, wear the correct color, face the game, don’t make it a photo shoot and actually participate in the chants,” said Chesnutt.