​It’s been four and a half months since Marshall Williams took the job as Weatherford’s head football coach and in meeting with him and some of the 2026 Roos, he looks just as excited and eager as he did when he first arrived.Running around Parker and Palo Pinto County to interview the seven football teams that will be featured in this year’s “First Down” magazine is no easy feat. A lot of communication with coaches and scheduling times to arrive takes plenty of patience.Ironically, Weatherford was the first team I reached out to and one of the last I interviewed, but it was worth the wait.Sitting down in Williams’ office with some of the boys for our interview was running smoothly. As the conversation continued, I felt a vibe I hadn’t felt around this program.It was the first time I spoke with wide receiver Jakob Hemphill, quarterback Braelynn Jones and defensive end Quinton Martinez. It was the second time I sat down with running back D.J. Quimby.Granted, I interviewed Quimby after his worst game of the 2025 season, so maybe the confidence wasn’t all there that day. But the camaraderie amongst those guys, alongside Williams who cracked many jokes, made you think this was not a 2-8 team last year.When Williams spoke, he was preaching to a choir. All four players nodded their heads and expressed shared approval of their new coach’s words. Nothing against my interview with the Roos last year, but again, the feeling inside that room was different.I’m not one to put out predictions because who am I to publish that one of our teams will go 0-10? Who does that benefit?I will say this about Williams and Weatherford football.Before I entered the room, I told my colleagues that the Roos will be better this year. Brand new coach with a winning background, an offense that returns their two studs at the skill positions, a new district and a JV group hungry for the opportunity to play varsity. Stay tuned for the magazine release later this month for more details.With that being said, I’m thinking the Roos can win four or five games and sneak into the playoffs.Once I walked out of the interview, I was thinking the Roos are going to win it all.It’s hyperbolic, I know.My point is, if you’re a parent, a supporter or a member of the Weatherford community, this is exactly where the program needs to be.For senior players, it’s an incredible opportunity for them to lay a foundation in their final year. For underclassmen, they have nothing to lose. Most media outlets are counting the Roos out already and focusing on Aledo and Arlington Bowie.But you know who believes in the Roos? Themselves.Williams pointed at the schedule printed out on his desk to emphasize Aug. 28: Weatherford’s season opener versus Burleson Centennial. Everything leads up to that night.After day one of practice, there’s already a litany of talking points Williams wanted to make for his kids. What I believe makes the difference for the Roos in 2026 is the fact that t