Pigskin Preview: Whiteville football brings energy and championship mindset into 2026 season

WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WWAY)– The Whiteville Wolfpack are entering the 2026 season with plenty of energy and motivation after a year that ended sooner than they wanted.

Whiteville finished 7-4 last season and claimed a share of the conference title. For head coach Jarrett “JP” Price, though, that finish did not meet the program’s expectations.

“Last year wasn’t up to our standard and our expectations. We finished 7-4 . For some schools that’s a good record. 4-1 in conference and co-conference champions. We went out in the second round of the playoffs,” Price said.

The Wolfpack dealt with injuries and were forced to put several young players on the field early last season. Now, those players return with valuable playing time under their belts.

Whiteville brings back a strong group at the skill positions, including sophomore quarterback Luke McLean. Price said one of the biggest priorities entering the season is continuing to develop depth on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Senior linebacker and tight end Jayden Todd said the difference in practice has already been noticeable.

“So far this year it’s been a whole lot better. Everybody is playing both ways, you know? They’re finding a way to do it. We’re more competitive. We’re hitting each other in practice, you know, we’re doing better,” Todd said.

That competitiveness comes with plenty of personality, too.

“You gotta have that energy coming out of the gate, Monster Energy won’t give you what these guys give ya,” Todd said.

Todd said keeping that energy high means getting everyone involved, including a little barking during practice.

“Gotta get them dogs barking,” he said.

Whiteville also has several players bringing a championship mindset from the baseball diamond to the football field.

Among them is Collin Hooks, who plays center field in baseball and lines up in the secondary and at wide receiver in football.

“We ain’t really had no big runs in football, so we just try to bring our mindset from baseball to over here so we can try and win a championship over here too,” Hooks said.

Hooks believes the Wolfpack have the pieces to make a run this season.

“We really think we got a chance this year. All the coaches are buying in, we just need the players to buy in … some young guys,” Hooks said.

Price said about a dozen seniors return this season and will be counted on to help maintain the program’s standard and guide the younger players.

Whiteville’s goal remains straightforward … run the football, play physical and finish games.

For Todd, the destination is just as clear.

“We wanna win the conference, and most importantly, we want a state championship. That’s what we want. It means everything to me.  All these friends out here, you don’t get just sitting at the house playing video games. You don’t,” Todd said.

Whiteville opens the regular season Aug. 21 against West Columbus.