Winfield-Mount Union, with its 8 players, harbors 2 FBS recruits aspiring to establish a lasting football heritage. –

CENTRAL CITY — With the talent and experience the 2023 Winfield-Mount Union football team boasts, it’s easy to see why it has lofty aspirations.

Eight-player’s fourth-ranked Wolves return several starters from last year’s playoff team, notably two Division I FBS commits, Cam Buffington (Iowa) and Abram Edwards (Army).

“We have pretty high expectations for our guys,” Winfield-Mount Union Coach Scott McCarty said. “Our senior group, they’ve been together for a long time and they’ve gradually gotten better through their four years. So, we’re hoping to reach the top this year.”

The Wolves open the season Friday night in a marquee 8-Player matchup at No. 3 Central City.

“Talking to some other people, they’re kind of like us in that they brought back over 90 percent of their production on both sides,” McCarty said. “Both teams are senior heavy. You know, both teams have kind of been building up to this year through their last couple years.”

The schedule doesn’t let up for the Wolves.

Their next three opponents (New London, No. 10 WACO and Montezuma) were all playoff teams in 2022 — and they’ll play two of the three games on the road.

It’s a challenge Buffington and the Wolves are ready for.

“I love it,” Buffington said. “Having these first four games really gives us a test to start the season — go through hard times, get through it and we’re ready for everything else.”

Winfield-Mount Union finished 6-4 and saw its season end in the first round of the playoffs in 2022.

Looking to go further, the Wolves will lean heavily on Buffington’s ground game and Edwards’ aerial prowess.

Buffington, listed at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, amassed 1,484 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns (averaging 10.5 yards per carry) with six receiving TDs last season.

Edwards, listed slightly taller at 6-5 and 231, led the team in receiving with 392 yards and four TDs. He also had nine rushing scores.

“Not too many guys get the opportunity play next to a player like (Edwards) in 8-man,” Buffington said. “It’s pretty cool for a small town like Winfield; we want the town to soak it in, too.”

As impactful as the pair are offensively, there’s an argument to be made if their presence is felt equally, if not more, on defense.

Buffington earned second-team all-state honors on defense last season, recording 95.5 tackles. He tied for the lead in 8-Player with three pick-6s and was second in solo tackles (76).

He’s also the defending state long jump champion and qualified in three other events (100, 400 relay and sprint medley).

All reasons for Iowa’s decision to recruit him — as a linebacker.

“He’s such a pin-your-ears-back player on defense,” McCarty said. “He’s all gas, no brakes.

“Most importantly, he’s a great team player, a great leader and a hard worker, besides being an elite talent. He’s number one in the class (academically). He almost sounds too good to be true.”

Alongside Buffington, Edwards helped set the tone defensively, putting pressure on the opposing team’s backfield. He led the Wolves in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (13).

“He’s (Edwards) stepped up as a leader,” Buffington said. “We’ve been playing together since freshman year, and we have really just stepped up, especially in the last couple of years.”

With Winfield-Mount Union’s undeniable talent, Buffington is hopeful his time at the school, culminating with a memorable 2023 season, will help build a football “legacy” for the Wolves.

“Last year, we had 18 kids on the football team, and I told my parents, when I leave I want kids to go out for football,” Buffington said. “I want the team, the school and the town just to be poppin’ with kids wanting to come in. So, it’s starting to happen, slowly but surely. That’s the legacy I want to leave is build the town and build the school and help all sports.”

“Our community is very excited about our football team,” McCarty said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us, but if we can stay healthy, our kids look to have a nice, competitive season.”