Wilson Mules pack a punch

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Eddie Martinez is confident. And it’s not just the usual, every-coach-is-confident-starting-the-season type of confidence.

Martinez believes the time is now for his Wilson Mules to reclaim the Northern League championship, something they haven’t won since the 1990s. He has 18 returning starters, but the longevity of his core group goes beyond high school ball.

‘I think the real unique thing is our team has played together since they were 10-years old,’ Martinez said on the eve of his team’s season opener against visiting Roosevelt on Friday. ‘We have a real strong relationship with our local youth football program. There is no getting to know each other; they’ve grown up with Wilson football. That is a major strength for us, and top it off with it being a talented group.’

But for Wilson to get past other league hopefuls Franklin, Marshall, Eagle Rock and Belmont, Martinez said the Mules will need strong seasons from wide receiver Derek Martinez, Eddie’s son, and quarterback Steven Batista.

Even though Derek led Wilson with 41 receptions last year, good for 531 yards and two touchdowns, he’s battled injuries that last two years. ‘He’s 100% healthy now,’ Martinez said. And Bautista has primarily been a linebacker for Wilson, though he threw nine passes last year.

The opening game won’t tell Martinez everything he needs to know. ‘There are a lot of kids who have been in support roles that are now in the driver seat. We need to see how they respond to pressure, adversity, the crowd, things you don’t have control over.’

Does that lessen Martinez’s expectations about the opener or the season? In a word, no.

‘I truly believe it’s our turn,’ he said.

- Mike Terry