Competing for District 10 titles is a habit for Wilmington. They’ve won 15 titles total, and they’ve made the championship game in each of the past two seasons, winning in 2024.
The loss to Greenville in the 2025 title game, 25-22, is what’s driving this Greyhound team to get back to the top of the district and a deep state playoff run.
“That game left a bad taste in our mouth,” said Wilmington head coach Brandon Phillian. “One of our team beliefs is being humble and hungry; it’s made them hungry for the season ahead.”
Phillian, a graduate of Wilmington and Westminster College, took over as the head coach from former head coach Terry Verrelli in 2018. He had been on the staff since 2007 and was a defensive coordinator for 6 seasons prior.
He continued the winning tradition, with district titles in each of his first three seasons and district title game appearances in each of his first four seasons.
The 2022 and 2023 were the first down seasons of his tenure, going 3-7 and 4-6. He’s put the program back on the track towards title contention.
“To learn from Coach Verrelli and be allowed to continue the tradition is very special to me,” said Phillian. “It’s a blessing to have that opportunity.”
Their acclaimed Wing-T has been the key to a punishing run game. Five Greyhounds rushed for 250-plus yards last season. Only one player part of the quintet, Freddie Zehetner, graduated.
The Greyhounds attack is led by All-State selection Chase Mitcheltree, who raced for 1,354 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Mitcheltree has 2,821 career rushing yards and 44 total touchdowns. He has a chance to break school records in both categories [4,451 yards and 71 touchdowns are the records, respectively].
“He’s a threat to go the distance anytime he touches the ball,” said Phillian. “He’s got a great combination of speed and power.”
Juniors Cael and Cam Kettering also contributed to the team on both sides of the ball. Cael was one of the leading tacklers, picked off two passes, and rushed for 479 yards and six touchdowns. Cam was the second-leading rusher, with 507 yards rushing and six scores.
Rowan Miller split the quarterback duties last year and looks to be the primary quarterback this season. He threw for 272 yards and four touchdowns and added 296 yards on the ground and six more touchdowns. Both were strong defensively as well.
Play on the lines on both sides will be key for the Greyhounds; senior lineman Jaran Lorenz, who started some games as a junior, is the leader.
“He had a really strong finish to his junior campaign,” said Phillian. “We’re expecting big things from him, and we’re already seeing big things.
Other seniors expected to contribute are Liam Crowley, Jackson Hornbeck and Timmy Wilcox, Zack Shaw and Blake Hetrick.
“It’s a great group and one that the coaches and I are really excited to work with, said Phillian. “You get contributions all over the field at various levels.”
Wilmington will open the season at Slippery Rock.