3 things to know about Mauston football before the 2024 season (2024)

Mauston took some time to get off the ground last season, but a 1-3 start wasn’t enough to keep it from getting to the playoffs for a ninth straight time.

The one thing that has eluded the Golden Eagles in that time however, is a postseason win, bowing out in the first round each time.

Small numbers will again be a hurdle to clear for coach Dustin Vickerman, but it isn’t shaking his confidence.

“We don’t have great numbers, but I like the makeup of the kids we have,” he said.

Here are three things to know about the Golden Eagles.

Receiving weapons top Mauston offense’s to-do list

Much of the Mauston’s success last season was spearheaded by its dynamic passing attack.

Led by quarterback Tyler Link, the Golden Eagles threw for 2,210 yards and 24 touchdowns. Picking apart opposing secondaries may not be as cut-and-dry as it was though, with the team’s top five receiving targets all lost to graduation, including first-team all-SCC pick Brock Massey, who hauled in 53 catches for 938 yards and 13 scores, and Brady Baldwin (56, 476, 8).

“Those types of guys are hard to replace,” Vickerman said.

As daunting as reloading an entire receiving corps may be, Vickerman believes the group’s replacements are up to the task. Senior Caden Walz has separated himself early as a go-to option for Link, while junior Cam Walz will make another strong complement.

Despite lacking experience, Vickerman is encouraged by the duo’s offseason and thinks their lacking familiarity can be a benefit.

“We shouldn’t see any double teams or things of that nature without Brock so there will be opportunity for everyone to make plays,” he said. “They will need to work through growing pains and not let their confidence waiver if they make mistakes.”

Hayden Gyllin sets tone for Mauston defense

The top receivers were among a nine-person senior class last season, which Vickerman described as “decent sized” at a school Mauston’s size.

Still, the cupboard isn’t bare this fall on either side. Senior Hayden Gyllin will help bridge the gap, namely on defense, as he returns as a three-year starter.

The returning unanimous first-team all-SCC inside linebacker tallied a team-high 65 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, and also had a fumble recovery and an interception. As impressive as the numbers are, it’s Gyllin’s preparation that Vickerman remains awed by.

“Hayden’s work ethic and commitment year-round has set a new standard for our program that some of his teammates have now chosen to follow and set the same example,” Vickerman said.

Gyllin was impactful on offense, too. As pass-happy as the Golden Eagles were last year, Gyllin provided a great change of pace on the ground. He had a team-high 527 yards and four touchdowns on 126 carries, good for an average of 4.2 yards per attempt to earn second-team all-SCC honors.

Espyn Sweers serves as Mauston’s player-coach

Vickerman will also turn to fellow three-year starter Espyn Sweers to guide the Golden Eagles’ inexperienced group.

Like Gyllin, the senior was a two-way all-SCC selection last season. Sweers was a first-team defensive lineman and had 37 tackles (4 TFLS) and 5 sacks, along with being a second-team tackle as Mauston racked up over 3,100 yards of offense and 35 TDs.

“Espyn is so good at making sure everyone is living up to the standard and helping coach the younger players,” Vickerman said. “He’s a natural leader and clearly takes pride in it.”

Having proved his worth for two years now, Vickerman isn’t questioning Sweers’, nor Gyllin’s, leadership. It will still be a new feeling for the pair to be turned to full time.

“That is new to them and that is what they’ll need to navigate and be able to handle this year,” Vickerman said.