Woodville — If there is one thing Tyler Radley remembers from his junior year, it’s not his standout season as the starting linebacker, but the bitter taste of defeat from Wilkinson County Christian School’s overtime loss to Tri County Academy in the Class A state championship.

Every tackle he ever made and every deflection he ever caused doesn’t mean anything up to this point.

Radley said his tunnel vision only allows him to see a trip back to the Class A state championship in his senior year, and he said he will accept nothing less than victory.

Radley said reminiscing about the emotions that ran through him when the clock hit zero and the scoreboard showed 16-13 is what motivates him to practice harder every day.

“I keep the feeling in the back of my head,” Radley said. “I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure it won’t happen again.”

During the summer, Radley has been working twice as hard to become a better athlete, including commuting to Baton Rouge to weight train.

“It makes me feel like I have an edge on everyone,” he said. “I’m doing anything I can to become the best player I can be.”

The hard work has paid off for Radley. In the course of the summer, he has lost 30 pounds.

“I feel a lot different,” he said. “I feel faster than I was.”

WCCA head coach David Wright said Radley’s work ethic is what makes him a great player for the Rams.

“He’s never satisfied,” Wright said. “He wants to leave here as a state champion. He got a taste of success last year, and it makes him hungrier this year.”

This season, Wright has let go of the reins and allowed Radley to play several positions for WCCA.

As the starting linebacker, Radley will be counted on by many to get things going on the defensive end.

“Our defensive surrounds him in the aspects of leadership and recognizing the offense’s formation,” Wright said. “He loves the physical contact of football. He’s got a huge desire for success.”

Wright said Radley’s defensive presence opens up the field for other players.

“He led our team in tackles and he had several sacks last season,” Wright said. “So it requires the offense to know where he’s at, and he requires a double team.”

Radley will also be seeing time as a defensive lineman and as an occasional fullback. Wright said he believes Radley will take his new responsibilities full on.

“He hates to come out of the game, so he’ll do whatever it takes to help the team,” Wright said.

WCCA is preparing for their season opener at Adams County Christian School and Radley said his team is taking the right steps to compete in the matchup.

“I think we have some steps to take but it’s a work in progress,” Radley said. “We’re really starting to come together and we’ll do some good things.”

Wright said being successful with a tough schedule that features a rematch against state champions Tri County would be mind over matter.

“We have to be mentally prepared,” Wright said. “We might be outsized, but we’ll work harder than you will.”