Wolves enter 2025 with eyes set on postseason

It’s natural for the expectations to rise when a team enters the second year of a coaching regime.

That’s the case for coach Tom Spray and the Black Hills Wolves this season, and with the amount of returners he has at his disposal, he believes there is no reason to limit those.

“Everybody’s moving faster,” Spray said. “They’re ready to turn the curve.”

Here are three takeaways from Wednesday’s practice:

Energy and intensity

The on and off showers did little to dampen the energy on the turf..

Every big play drew cheers and shouts from the offense, and on the flip side, every big hit and tackle for loss elicited yells from the back end.

“We’re amping up the energy a lot,” Kenny Bell said. “I’m excited to see this continue and see where we can take it.”

New face under center

Jesse Keith was a fullback last fall, but with Jaxsen Beck’s departure, the Wolves needed a new quarterback. Keith has looked the part of QB1 through camp.

His elusiveness was on full display during a team period towards the end of practice Wednesday, and Spray added that he’s been throwing the ball well through the first week.

Playoff aspirations

Both Spray and Bell mentioned that the hope is not just to improve on last year’s three-win mark, but to be in contention for a postseason spot come late October.

Both are bullish on their chances this fall. Tumwater is the favorite in the EvCo, but there is a belief that they could grab the second spot and clinch a spot in the state tournament.

“I’m just excited to see what we do this year,” Bell said. “I feel like we’re gonna be better in our roles and assignments … We’ll take it week by week, then see what we can do and hopefully make a playoff run.”