Here’s a look at the River Road Wildcats heading into the 2025 football season. Press Pass Sport reporter Lee Baker talked with head coach Aaron Wampler about taking over at River Road in the spring and his goals for the program. Wampler also talked about his team expectations and key players to keep an eye on.
2024 resume
Head coach: Aaron Wampler, first season at River Road. Seventh year overall.
2024 Record: 5-7 overall, 0-3 in District 1-3A Division I. UIL Class 3A Division I area finalist.
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 3
Season opener: at Sanford-Fritch, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Eagles Stadium.
Players to watch
Josh Fjetland, 6-0, 175-pounds, LB, Sr.
Following a big offseason in the spring and summer, Fjetland finds himself in a starting role at middle linebacker. Coach Wampler is optimistic about Fjetland’s upside and what he brings to the defensive unit.
Braxton Perkins, 5-10, 215-pounds, OL-DL, Jr.
The offense may look a little different then it has the past few years but the goal remains the same and that’s to control the tempo by running the football. Perkins is the perfect lineman to run behind with his vision, size and blocking ability.
Brodrick McGowan, 5-8, 165-pounds, RB, Soph.
Though just a sophomore, expect to see McGowan getting the heavy lifting of toting the rock on Friday nights. No doubt they’ll be growing pains for McGowan, but coach Wampler is extremely high on his capabilities.
