Doug Dahms-Wilson

Wilson’s football program is an institution in West Lawn. Doug Dahms has been part of the juggernaut for five decades. “I bleed red and white. I can’t go anywhere that football is not mentioned. It’s been so much a part of my life,” said Dahms. The Muhlenberg High School and Lebanon Valley College graduate started as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs in 1976. He’s entering his 20th season as head coach with a remarkable (196-44) record. Dahms owns the highest winning percentage in Berks County football history. If you count his years as an assistant, he has 460 total victories. Dahms was inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame this year. He’s quick to credit his assistants for the success of the team. “Our coaching staff is like a family. They’re great guys, they work hard. They know how to put their nose to the grindstone when it’s time to get it done. It’s hard to leave a group like that,” emphasized Dahms. Defensive coordinator Ernie Wolber has been on the Bulldogs’ staff for 26 years. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Palm is close behind at 25 years.

Wilson claimed its record 30th section title in the Lancaster-Lebanon League last fall. The Bulldogs finished (11-2, 6-0) and reached the District 3-6A championship before falling to Harrisburg 42-14. They enter the 2025 campaign with 611 all-time wins.

Wilson will have a new quarterback following the graduation of All-State pick Madyx Gruber. Mason Young and Cole Peterson have been battling this offseason for the starting job. “We don’t have another Madyx in the wings. Cole has a little bit better grasp offensively, but Mason is a little bit better athlete. Right now, Mason has the edge. He has the physical tools to have a really good year,” explained Dahms. The Bulldogs won’t be the biggest team this season, but they have plenty of speed. Correll Akings returns at running back after rushing for 1,078 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns as a junior. The All-County basketball player added 27 receptions a season ago. All-State tight end Michael Glover (6’3, 225) caught a team-high 40 passes as a sophomore. “If he was 6’5, every school in the country would want him, but he’s 6’3…He’ll play Division I football, but probably FCS unless he grows,” replied Dahms. Glover finished with 670 receiving yards and 7TD last year. Senior receiver Jaiden Carpenter will supply the speed on the outside. Offensive tackles Avery Manara and Jesse Etchberger are back. Manara has slimmed down to 215 pounds. EJ Brownback and Ethan Harding will be in the middle of Wilson’s defense at linebacker. Rahmel Gaston (6’1, 240) will cause trouble on the defensive line. Meanwhile, Chase Herb, Monty Greer, and Akings should form a solid secondary.

The Bulldogs kickoff the season at home against Cheltenham on August 22nd. They host Nazareth on September 5th in a marquee non-league matchup. Wilson ends the regular season versus Manheim Township at John Gurski Stadium. That battle on October 24th could once again decide the Section 1 title. One thing is for certain; Dahms is very happy in West Lawn. “The community is behind you. The alumni are behind you. The school is behind you. The players buy into everything you want to do,” he said.