EASTHAMPTON — The scoreboard operator has a busy job at Williston Northampton School when the football team takes the field on Saturdays.

For the past two seasons, the Wildcats have led the Northeast Prep League in points, and with a host of talented players suiting up again for Tom Beaton’s team this fall, that could very well be the case once more.

“We’re feeling good, we have a great group, an awesome group of young men,” Beaton said. “We’ve had a great preseason and have had some great senior leadership. The guys have been working hard. They’re physical and competitive; really kind of everything we’re looking for.”

It’s no secret what Williston’s strength is in 2024, and Beaton – now in his ninth season at Williston – didn’t hesitate when asked.

Up front, the Wildcats have size and strength. Their offensive line is physical and aggressive. Led by Boston College commit Dean Ruksnaitis, it’s a group that Beaton feels are all going to be Division I football players when the time comes. They’ll be relied upon heavily to help Williston maintain its top-ranked offense.

Running behind them is a three-headed monster out of the backfield. Former Amherst High School star Jameson Dion will be featured with Brooks Connors and Nate Ellis. Wide receivers Troy Worrell, Ryan Commoss and Jaxon Axelman are a trio that can hit for home-run plays catching passes from quarterback Davi McDonald.

“I firmly believe that we’re gonna score points again,” Beaton said.

While Williston scored in bunches in 2023, its defense was lackluster.

Beaton brought in several new recruits to help bolster that side of the ball, led by former Springfield Central standout Seamus McDermott and Westfield transfers Nick and Lucas Guay. Elsewhere, Brian Lloyd, Rowan Martin and Dion are to hold down the back end of the defense in the secondary, while Holyoke native Jacob Waah – a three-year starter and captain for 2024, his senior year – joins McDermott and Max Depatie for what should be a strong linebacking core. Manning the interior line is Rylan Shibley and Ezekiel Jackson.

“The biggest difference between last year and this year is our defense is a lot stronger,” Beaton said. “We’re a much more balanced team than we’ve been the last couple years. No matter what 11 players are on the field, all of them are gonna be good football players for us. Our balance is a big advantage for us this year.”

Waah has been at Williston for all four years of his high school career. He’s earned the respect of his teammates and is now one of six captains. Since his time at Williston, he’s not only seen personal growth as a player and leader, but also the Wildcats program as a whole.

The quality of players, and people, coming through Williston has made his time there so special. And now, with one last go at it, he’s ready to go out on top with a postseason victory.

“Over time, seeing the program grow, I think our energy this year is the best I’ve seen it,” Waah said. “It’s developed over time and all the guys love to be around each other. They’ve bought into the program. We’re ready to win a bowl game.”

Williston finished last year 5-4 overall and missed out on playing in a bowl game. Its season opened with a disappointing 26-10 defeat to rival Deerfield Academy on its home turf – where the Wildcats went just 1-3.

This Saturday, they’ll open with Deerfield again, this time on the road. Nothing needs to be said to Beaton’s players to fire them up.

They are more than ready for revenge.

“I’ve been waiting for this game since the moment that first ended,” Waah said. “The first thing I thought about was next year. We’re definitely going to be the more physical team. Coach Beaton talks a lot about physicality and toughness, and I think our whole team has bought into that. From day one of team camp to now, we’ve all just been locked in. We’ve been working, and I’m very excited for Saturday.”

McDonald agreed.

“We’re just looking forward to getting back out on the field with the guys, and getting a chance to play Deerfield again,” the team’s QB added. “I know a lot of us have been waiting for 10 months since our last game. Just taking everything we’ve learned throughout practice in the spring and summer and getting the chance to put it all together on Saturday; we’re hyped and excited to get back at them. They left a sour taste in our mouths.”