SANTO WILDCATS

“ He at the linebacker spot has the most experience . Him and Jake Bryan ,” Mann said . Billy will get the signal from the sidelines and make the calls . He is more of a vocal guy that we have on the field that will talk . This will be his third year starting at the varsity level . He got some reps as a freshmen in the playoffs , so he has a lot of experience .”

Not all leaders lead with their voice — a lot lead by their work or by example , something Mann has picked up on in his 11 years at Santo .

“ We have never had a lot of vocal people , but if I could pick a leader , I am going to pick the guy that walks the walk and leads by his work ethic and leads by getting in the trenches ,” he said . “ That is how Case Proctor was for us and it was really effective . Hutt Thornton is not a real vocal guy , he is not going to be the ‘ rah rah ’ jumping up and down yelling type , thats not his MO , but it will be hard to outwork him .”

Likewise for Bryan and Sandoval , who are also the “ lead by doing ” type .

While there may be plenty of unknowns up until the Wildcats take the field , one thing ’ s for sure — they know they are a good ball club .

“ But how are we , as coaches and players , going to build that brotherhood ?” Mann said . “ And that starts right now with what we are doing in strength camp and that starts with some things we do , but we feel real good heading into the season with the relationships that we have . “ There was a question mark — where do we grow from that 6-5 team — that was answered after last season . Now the question mark is , where is the next step for us coming from 11-2 into this next season ?” ★

44 FIRST DOWN !