MERKEL — After a five-year tenure at Class 4A Snyder that saw him resign during the offseason with a 21-32 overall record, Wes Wood comes to Merkel with a challenging task ahead of him. 

MHS’ varsity numbers are down — way down, with only four starters back on both sides of the ball among eight returning lettermen from last year’s 6-4 team. In the meantime, call-ups from an 0-10 JV squad and a couple of transfers will be counted on to fill the vacancies. 

The Badgers are smallish, with at least three potential starters on the offensive line weighing less than 200 pounds. They are also in need of more speed, with only two sub-4.7 players listed on their preseason roster. To matters even more difficult, MHS graduated six varsity players who will be playing collegiately, leaving a sizeable talent void to fill. 

From these meager beginnings, Wood will set about installing his system, building confidence in his young team and strengthening his sub-varsity programs.