Madyx Gruber-Wilson

When a wide receiver catches nine touchdown passes in a season, he usually isn’t asked to switch positions. However, Wilson was searching for a new quarterback after All-State pick Tommy Hunsicker graduated. The Bulldogs have settled on Madyx Gruber. “It’s a process, but I’m ready for it,” responded Gruber. The 5’11, 160-pound rising senior had 28 catches for 461 yards in 2023. Fortunately, Gruber has some good teachers to help him learn his new role. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Palm has been on Wilson’s staff for 24 seasons. Assistant coach Chad Henne spent 15 years in the NFL and won two Super Bowls. “He knows exactly what the defense is gonna do and he tells me who’s gonna be open. It’s just amazing what he knows,” Gruber said of Henne. The Bulldogs begin their 80th season on Saturday at 1pm against Cheltenham. The game was moved to Upper Merion High School because Cheltenham’s field isn’t ready. Wilson returns just four starters on offense and two on defense from a (7-4, 5-1) squad. The Bulldogs finished second in Section 1 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League behind Manheim Township. They fell to fourth-seeded Cumberland Valley 20-14 in the District 3-6A quarterfinals. Gruber’s basketball teammate Correll Akings is back at running back. The rising junior ran for 468 yards and seven touchdowns on 80 carries last fall. Gruber and Akings will hold down the cornerback position as well. Gruber, an All-County selection in hoops, came up with three of Wilson’s seven interceptions a season ago. Senior guard Derek Reiniger is the only returning starter on the offensive line. The good news is that the Bulldogs have a very talented and deep tight end room. Brady Kline, Michael Glover, Cam Zullinger, and Christo Hunsicker are all in the mix. Expect Wilson to use a lot of sets with multiple tight ends. Hunsicker led the Bulldogs with 64 tackles, 9.5 TFL, and three sacks in 2023. The 6’2, 195-pound outside linebacker is also a standout baseball player. Zullinger and Glover, a 220-pound sophomore, combined for 12 TFL and four sacks at defensive end. Safety Monty Greer and linebacker EJ Brownback are two other promising sophomores. Wilson allowed 25.5 points and 297 yards per game last year. The Bulldogs sit on 600 all-time victories. They’ve won a record 28 Section 1 championships and seven District 3 titles. Wilson holds the state record with 48 consecutive winning seasons. “Our expectations don’t change. We want to win. We want to get that L-L championship. We want to get the district [championship] and then see how far we get in State’s,” stated Gruber.