Mike Glover-Wilson

Wilson lost its top quarterback, running back, and wide receiver to graduation. Mason Young, Correll Akings, and Jaiden Carpenter have all moved on. Only three starters on offense will be back for the Bulldogs this fall. The well of talent, however, hasn’t run dry in West Lawn. Mike Glover, a two-time All-State selection, returns at tight end and defensive end. The 6’3, 230-pound senior received 26 Division I offers. He committed to James Madison University in mid-June. “I have a chance to get there early, compete, and get on the field early so that was a big part for me. The people in the program, the way they are on and off the field, is what I look at. I can’t wait to get down there,” said Glover.

Glover made 35 receptions for 572 yards and seven touchdowns last year. He’s been a three-year starter on both sides of the ball. Glover finished with 44 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three sacks a season ago. Wilson went (9-3, 5-1) and ended up in second place in Section 1 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The Bulldogs fell at home to Manheim Township 20-14. They then lost at top-seeded Central York 42-7 in the District 3-6A semifinals. Wilson holds the state record with 50 consecutive winning seasons, but hasn’t captured a District 3 title since 2016. “That’s definitely at the top of our list. I want to go week by week and win every game. That’s our first priority, but definitely a District championship is what we’re looking for,” emphasized Glover. Harrisburg has claimed five straight District 3-6A crowns.

Cole Peterson, an All-County lacrosse player, is the front-runner for the quarterback job this fall. The rising senior will have plenty of quality options at the skill positions. In addition to Glover, the Greer brothers will be back. Monty, a senior, and Damian, a junior, bring plenty of speed to the gridiron. Damian Greer took gold in the 100 meters at the District 3-3A Championships this spring with a time of 10.67 seconds.

The Bulldogs got a huge boost when Justice Hardy transferred from Wyomissing in December. “He looks good in that white and red. We’re super happy to have him,” replied Glover. Hardy, a two-time All-State pick, is committed to Louisville. The 5’10, 190-pound RB/DB led the Spartans with 979 rushing yards last year. Hardy averaged 10.8 yards per carry. He scored 15 TD on the ground and four more through the air. “I’ve known Justice since elementary school and I’ve known what type of athlete he is, what type of person he is. He’s ready to show people that he can play 6A ball. He’s gonna prove this year that he’s the best around,” said Glover.

Doug Dahms is entering his 21st season as Wilson’s head coach with a mark of (205-47). He owns the highest winning percentage (81.3%) in Berks County history. Dahms started as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs in 1976. “It’s incredible the way he knows the game. He’s been awesome, he knows what it takes to win. He’s always giving me tips. I always listen to him because he knows what he’s talking about,” noted Glover. Dahms, a longtime defensive coordinator, will have an outstanding linebacker corps this year. EJ Brownback piled up 117 tackles, 21 TFL, four sacks, and three interceptions a season ago. The rising senior is also a standout wrestler. Brownback will be joined by juniors Matt Wyatt and Braydon Farrell. Travis Bissoon is another name to remember. The rising sophomore pass rusher could be forced into duty at offensive tackle. David Wise (6’7, 280) suffered a knee injury during an offseason football camp.

Wilson opens its season at Gov. Mifflin on August 28th. The Bulldogs have taken twelve of the past fifteen meetings in this rivalry. Wilson begins league play at home versus Manheim Township in Week 4. The Blue Streaks are the defending Section 1 champions.