In the decade since taking over the Winfield-Mount Union football program (4-0 overall; 2-0 Class A District 6) head coach Scott McCarty hasn’t had a better start to a season than he has this fall.

The Wolves played a complete game last Friday, shutting out the Danville Bears (1-3 overall), 44-0, in Winfield. Senior Kolt Rossiter threw for 67 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Sam Jennings and junior Bryce Robinson each scored a defensive touchdown in the victory. It was the third time this season the Wolves’ defense pitched a shutout, and the fourth time this season the W-MU offense scored 40 or more points.

McCarty says it’s been a long time since the Wolves’ football program has been undefeated this late in the season, “I have been here for 10 years and I think it has been closer to 15 years since Winfield-Mount Union has started out 4-0.” McCarty said, “A lot of credit goes to the kids and their parents for waking up early, getting them into the weight room, and having them be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

The Wolves’ 180 points scored through four games leads Class A District 6, and their six points allowed defensively is the best in state regardless of class. The only points allowed by the Wolves this season were to Class 1A Wapello, a 22-yard touchdown pass from Logan Belzer to Tariq Green.

The Wolves are gearing up for their biggest game of the season, a district clash with the Lone Tree Lions. The Lions have more victories this season (3) than the Wolves’ previous four opponents combined (2), and have averaged 38.5 points per game this season. The Lions have lost two returning starters to injuries over the first four weeks, including first team all-district defensive utility player Greg Feldman and all-district honorable mention offensive lineman Michael Schmidt.

Kickoff of the district battle between the Wolves and Lions is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Winfield-Mount Union High School.