The system is working.

West Delaware’s football program is chugging full-speed ahead, with a calm mindset and a family bond of trust that’s created a stir of excitement within Hawk fans.

Mindset plays a large role in the program. “The atmosphere is calm. Our team is weird,” Luke Kehrli (12) said. “We wait to talk until afterwards—we play first.”

Their system built on trust and mindset provides the means for West Delaware’s success. “That’s probably the key,” Coach Doug Winkowitsch said. “They trust the game plan, and they trust each other. They all have their own responsibilities and carry them out with confidence.” 

Leadership is another key part of West Delaware’s success this season. Wyatt Voelker (12) leads the defense and helps to create momentum on offense with 701 rushing yards. Kyle Cole (12) leads by example fulfilling his nickname as “QB-1,” leading the offense with 866 rushing and 872 passing yards.

In their game on Oct. 15, West Delaware brought home a district championship beating their rival Independence (25-14). They ended their regular season, 8-1, after a win against Charles City, 58-14, last Friday.

West Delaware plays Grinnell (6-3) tonight at home in the first round of playoffs. The match up is expected to be an intriguing game. 

Nevertheless, West Delaware continues with the same steady mindset. “This week we’re focusing just on Grinnell,” Wyatt Voelker said. “We aren’t looking past that. One game at a time—that’s our mindset.”