MORGANTOWN – Every sideline this season will have players who may not show up on the stat sheet or have their name called over the PA as often as some of their teammates, but who still have just as much of an impact for their team on the field.
That defines Morgantown senior Rhys Wells, who returns in 2025 as a talisman for the Mohigans on both sides of the ball.
Wells could be defined as a “bruiser” with his power-back style carrying the ball, and the way he plays the linebacker position. Rhys will be one of the senior leaders on the roster in 2025 and says he’s never been more excited coming into preseason camp.
“What excites me most about this year is our schedule,” Wells said. “We have the toughest schedule in the state, playing all of the top five teams. I think it will test us and give us the opportunity to show the state that we are a state championship contender. I’m very excited to play against the EPAC schools, as they’re some of the best teams in the state, and playing them will only make us better. We want the opportunity to show why we think we are one of the best teams in the entire state this season.”
After a solid 2024, Wells said his goals during the summer were focused on the weight room.
“My main focus was getting as strong as possible,” he said. “I spent a ton of time in the weight room working on speed, strength, and agility. Coach Biser has a great strength program, and everyone on the roster worked hard overall to get better in the offseason.”
Wells has filled the fullback role on offense in recent years, playing a key part in the scheme for MHS as a blocker and ball-carrier.
“The challenge this year will be learning how to run an evolving offense and how to do things smoothly,” he said. “What makes our offense great is how much talent we have at each spot. Every position seems to have a second, or even third guy, who is very talented, and that makes us dangerous as a whole for other teams.”
Entering his senior season, Wells says he knows he is one of the players his teammates look up to and is embracing that role from day one.
“One of the best qualities, I believe, I bring as a leader is being able to coach and teach my teammates,” he said. “I’m always looking to help everyone get better or let them know something I’ve done that’s helped me improve. As one of the veterans on the team, I feel a responsibility to ensure everyone is making positive improvements in some way. I hope I make an impact by helping push my teammates and coaching the younger guys to keep working hard.”
MHS opened camp on Monday and will host Parkersburg to open the 2025 season on Thursday, August 28, for a 7:00 p.m. kick at Pony Lewis Field.
“Our team needs to continue to get better each and every day,” Wells said. “As a team, we don’t have bad practices, and we are improving each day. Personally, I aim to be recognized more for my defensive skills. I want to be known as the best linebacker in the state. I think I get a little underrated as a linebacker, and that motivates me every day to work harder.”
