Here’s a look at the Wheeler Mustangs heading into the 2025 football season. Press Pass Sports reporter Lee Baker took a minute with head coach Matt Hoover to ask him the success from last year and building off that success. Baker also talks with Hoover about his key returners in defensive end Jackson Graves and quarterback Creed Newkirk.
2024 resume
Head coach: Matt Hoover, fifth season at Wheeler. Ninth year overall.
2024 Record: 9-3 overall, 4-1 in District 5-2A Division II. Class 2A Division II area finalist.
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 9
Season opener: vs. Highland Park, Friday, Aug. 29.
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Players to watch
Jackson Graves, 6-4, 250-pounds, DL, Sr.
Graves had a breakout season as a junior being an absolute menace off the edge. He was near unlockable to an offensive lineman he faced spending most of his time in opponents backfields. Graves totaled 108 tackles, 51 of those for loss and racked up an eye-popping 18 sacks.
Creed Newkirk, 5-11, 190-pounds, QB, Sr.
The four-year starter has learned to lead by example by not only by his play but by his high standard of holding his teammates accountable. Newkirk had a very strong season as a junior throwing for 623 yards in a run-heavy offense and rushed for 723 yards.
Garrett Ashurst, 5-8, 180-pounds, WR-DB, Sr.
Ashurst is another big-time senior returning for head coach Matt Hoover. The speedster does his part on the offensive side of the ball but plays an even bigger role in a veteran secondary. Ashurst finished his junior campaign with 104 tackles, eight pass breakups and was a ballhawk tallying six interceptions.