When you’re in the trenches, every play is a battle—and Thomas Ashworth is ready for war. The Welch High School junior has clear goals heading into the upcoming football season. “To have more pancakes and sacks than I did last year,” he said confidently. As a center on offense and a nose guard or defensive end on defense, Ashworth is determined to make his presence felt on both sides of the ball.
Things feel different this offseason for the Wildcats. There’s a renewed energy around the team, and Thomas has noticed it firsthand. “I’ve seen more people in the gym,” he said. That increased commitment is showing up in more than just attendance—Ashworth has seen real leadership take root. “We have a lot more leaders coming out,” he added. “Everyone’s stepping up.”
Team goals are simple but ambitious. “We want to make it farther than last year,” Thomas said. “And we know we’ve got to keep getting in the gym more to make that happen.” While the Wildcats have talent across the board, Thomas thinks one part of their game stands out. “Probably our run game,” he said.
Preparation for game day is key. “I get iced up and rested before the game,” he shared. When the lights come on, Thomas zones in. “My mindset is to outmatch the guy in front of me,” he said. “It’s all about winning your battle every snap.”
He’s proud of how far the team came last season. “Going to the second round of playoffs last season was one of my favorite memories,” he said. But Thomas isn’t satisfied. He wants to leave his mark. “I want to be one of the most recent people to go play college ball from Welch,” he said.
With Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blaring through his headphones, Thomas Ashworth is getting ready for a breakout year. “We’re going to be better than last year,” he said. “People better be ready.”
