In high school football, the goal is to win games and represent your school on the field to the highest standard.

However for some teams this can be tough to achieve as it may have had a lot of seniors graduate and leave in the past year, and may be spread thin with experience and maturity.

This leaves it up to the upperclassmen on the team to step up and be leaders for the younger players to help build a strong future.

For the rebuilding Betty Fairfax Stampede, who have struggled in their games this year and have failed to get their first win with a record of 0-7, senior safety and running back Dual Machar Wie has been a standout player and uplifting teammate.

With a team that has had problems putting points on the board, Fairfax coach Keith Mannie has had his work cut out for him in his first year heading the Stampede. Injuries to star center Connor Bowman hurt the offensive line, and the team also had to change quarterbacks early in the season. 

However, the one constant on the offense has been Wie with his tough running and discipline to find the right hole out of the backfield.

He is also never afraid to take a defender head on in order to gain extra yards. Mannie spoke of what Wie means to the team while prepping for the Agua Fria game in Week 4.

“Dual is one of our standout seniors on the defense and offense. No matter what I always know he is going to go full speed whether he makes a mistake or not. He runs real hard and always gives it his all,” Mannie said.

Wie is also known on the team for always keeping his composure and picking his teammates up when they are down. In games, he can be seen many times giving his fellow teammates props when they make a good play, and advice on how they can do better next time  He is aware of his role in the team this season and what he has to do not only on the field, but off of it.

“I run hard and make all the plays on the field I can, but in the end it’s a team effort. Everyone needs to keep showing up, having the same mindset, the same mentality. In the end we all try our best and that’s what matters,” he said.

Wie has also been a major bright spot in a Stampede defense that has struggled to make stops this season. It is clear that he is the one on the defense that calms everyone down and makes sure they keep their composure so they have a better chance to succeed. Defensive Coordinator Martwon Weaver had high praise for the senior, highlighting the impact he has on the defense and the demeanor of his teammates.

“He is a downhill safety who isn’t scared of anything, and his help in the run game has been phenomenal. Having him around as a leader is contagious and makes things easier. He makes the people around him wanna play harder for him,” Weaver said.

Speaking to the coaches, it is certain that players like Wie are the ones they are looking for in the underclassmen that eventually begin to get more reps in the coming years. They hope his traits can be spread throughout the program.

“I’m grateful the young guys have him to look up to because he’s the type of guy you want leading your team. Never complains, just goes out there and gives it his all,” Weaver said.