WILSON, Oklahoma (KTEN)- Last season, construction at Skinny Stewart Stadium meant that Wilson didn't play a single home game. 

"We were on the road," Wilson senior corner/receiver Dakota Chatham said. "Hour long drives for every game. That really took a toll on us.

But this year the Eagles will have nine.

"It's going to be amazing," Chatham said. "I can't wait for the energy that's going to be brought. It's going to mean the world to us."

But it's not just the new stadium. Wilson also welcomes a new head coach as John Williamson comes over from Velma-Alma.

"It's been great," Williamson said. "The kids have been wonderful. Just about as good as anywhere I've ever been. We've had great summer attendance, almost near 100%""

And his players are already noticing his impact.

"I couldn't ask for anything better," Wilson linebacker/left guard Landon Richardson said. "He's pushed us. We've gotten a lot more physical this year, and so far, it has been a lot of fun." 

Wilson may be having fun but their opponents may not be when they try to keep up with the Eagles on the field.

"We're very athletic," Williamson said. "We're very deep at the skill positions. If we do have injuries along the way, we have guys that can step up and fill those roles."

Wilson made it back to the playoffs for the first time in three years last season. Next on its list of goals is trying to win its first playoff game since 1993.

"With a new coach, new staff, new faces around, it's going to take us some time to gel," Williamson said. "I think once we gel and if we stay injury free, I think we have a chance to win that first playoff game in 30 years which would be awesome."

His players know it's a goal that won't come easy, but they're up for the challenge.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work and dedication," Richardson said. "Putting in a lot of hours in the weight room and on the football field. I don't think we're just going to be able to walk in there and take over. We're going to have to put in that work."

Wilson's work will begin this Thursday Aug. 24 when the Eagles host Thackerville.