A trio of Wright City football players put pen to paper on Feb. 3, confirming their intent to compete at the next level. A small crowd of family and supporters gathered in the high school gymnasium as seniors Alex Polston, Dalton Wiser and DeShon Johnson signed their national letters of intent. 

It was a proud and affirming experience for Coach Jeff Sargent

“We’ve had eight kids sign in back-to-back years and that really shows the quality of our athletes,” said Sargent. “We’ve had a Division II signee in back-to-back years and have three total now. That speaks volumes for our program.”

These three follow last year’s class, which sent Brendan Logan, Jeremy Cundiff, J.J. McRoberts, Xavier Caffey and Will Janowski to the next level. 

“Those eight kids had a huge part in us winning conference,” said Sargent.

It was that exact accomplishment that Polston, Wiser and Johnson each cited as their favorite memory while wearing the Wildcat uniform. 

“That was my proudest moment playing football here,” noted Polston, who will attending Quincy University next fall.

Polston was an anchor on the offensive and defensive line for Wright City, collecting 14 tackles and opening up a bevy of running holes for Wildcat skill players. 

“I can’t say enough good things about him,” asserted Sargent. “He’s an unbelievable student, a great leader, and a guy people enjoy being around. He brings a lot of positives even to a bad situation.”

Polston will be joining a Hawks’ team that finished 5-9 during its 2019 season in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. 

“The biggest deciding factor was the coaches, because they were very welcoming and really seemed like they cared about their players,” said Polston. “That was definitely the determining factor for me.”

He is determined to make his mark early by bringing size to the trenches.

“Hopefully I can bring some speed and some length to their offensive line, because I’m a lot taller than most of the guys that are there now,” said Polston.

Johnson and Wiser will be taking their talents to Missouri Valley College in Marshall.

“When I went to the school, the people were very nice,” said Wiser. “Although its a small school, it works for me, because it’s similar to Wright City.”

The Wildcats’ leading rusher from the 2020 season ran 770 yards on 172 carries. 

“He wants to know how to be great, and he’s willing to put in the work,” said Sargent. “I don’t know if I’ve ever coached a kid who’s worked harder than him.”

Wiser is eager to continue his journey as a student of the game.

“For me personally, my speed and ability to jump over anybody is an advantage,” said Wiser. “I’m a very elusive guy on the field and fundamentally I love to learn about the game.”

Johnson helped open running paths for Wiser and hopes to carry on that responsibility for Missouri Valley, which is a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing sports with my friends, and the fact that my cousin Dalton is going to Missouri Valley with me really helps solidify that family aspect of going to play ball with my family,” said Johnson. “I feel like I’ll bring tenacity. When I was on my visit I realized I won’t be one of the biggest guys around any more, so I realized I’ll have to make up for that by putting my heart out on the field and putting my best foot forward as much as possible to make my mark at the next level.”

Sargent calls Johnson a silent leader.

“He’s been such a good quality person in the form of he is proud of who he is,” said Sargent. “He’s proud of his family and is one of those quiet leaders. When he has to talk people will listen.”