Correll Akings-Wilson

Expectations are always high on Grandview Boulevard in West Lawn. Wilson’s football team currently holds the state record with 49 consecutive winning seasons. The Bulldogs have racked up 611 all-time wins and haven’t had a losing year since 1963. “You definitely try not to think about it, but it’s human nature to think about all the things that could be lost. You don’t want to be that class to lose it,” acknowledged Correll Akings. The 5’10, 170-pound senior is a three-year starter for the Bulldogs. He was also an All-County selection in basketball. Akings ran for 1,078 yards and scored 18 touchdowns last fall. He was a weapon out of the backfield with 27 catches in a very balanced attack. “It definitely makes it harder to guard us on offense. You have to counter the run and the pass. It’s a lot to deal with at once,” replied Akings.

Akings will have a new quarterback throwing to him this season. Mason Young, a 6’2 senior, takes over for All-State pick Madyx Gruber. “I feel like he’s ready to play,” said Akings. Young looked sharp in Wilson’s scrimmage with Coatesville. He had a 75-yard touchdown run and hit All-State tight end Mike Glover for a long score. Glover is a physical presence at 6’3 and 223 pounds. “His patterns are getting that much crisper. His hands are getting that much better,” noted Akings. The Bulldogs are still ironing out the offensive line, but Jesse Etchberger and Avery Manara return up front.

Wilson returns five starters on offense and six on defense from a squad that went (11-2, 6-0). The Bulldogs captured the Section 1 title in the Lancaster-Lebanon League with a resounding 34-16 victory at Manheim Township. They lost to powerhouse Harrisburg 42-14 in the District 3-6A Championship. Inside linebackers E.J. Brownback and Ethan Harding are back, along with an experienced secondary. Akings will spend time at corner with speedy senior Jaiden Carpenter and promising sophomore Damian Greer. Chase Herb and Monty Greer, Damian’s older brother, give Wilson a pair of quality safeties. Glover, Rahmel Gaston, and Barima Archampong will provide the pass rush. The Bulldogs’ 81st season begins tonight against Cheltenham at John Gurski Stadium. Doug Dahms enters his 20th year as head coach and 50th with the program. Since Dahms started as an assistant coach in 1976, he’s been a part of 460 wins. “It’s definitely a good thing to have someone that’s very experienced. It’s something that you don’t get at every school district. It’s something that you should be proud to have,” said Akings.