Aug. 30, a big day for many.  Students ready to watch their football team take the field once again for another season.  A shot at redemption for those on the FHN Varsity Knights football team.  All eyes will be on the field at Vianney as the Knights hope to stop D1 prospect running back Markel Smith.

“We work a lot better as a team and we have a lot more enthusiasm this year,” offensive lineman Corey Bruns said.

The Knights could forget the 0-10 season that they had last year.  A season plagued by injuries and a constant search for leadership.  This is on all the minds of the FHN Varsity football players.  The players hope that more intense off season workouts and a new found motivation to surpass previous expectations will pay off this year.

“I think the biggest difference is the kids have bought into the coaches expectations this year and the extra experience they have earned will prove helpful,” Coach Brandon Gregory said.

With the departure of only seven seniors from last year the Knights feel positive haveing 14 returning starters.  A strong senior presence and leadership at both ends of the ball give the Knights new confidence.  Also to aid the team, the Knights have picked up a few key players who newly transferred to FHN this year.

“The main difference is we are much more experienced and we have more depth on the roster,” Quarterback Brendan Lieser said.

The Knights also feel very confident with their schedule this year.   With senior dominated teams last year, the Knights feel they are on an even playing field.  Conference is open to anyone for the taking.

“I think this year our schedule is a lot easier because last year all the teams we played were mainly seniors and these teams won’t be as good as they were last year,” Senior receiver Andrew Cline said.

The Knights open up their season at Vianney.  This will be the first test for the Knights as they face running back Markel Smith.  Smith was a defense shredder totaling 30 TD’s last year.  Smith has also been scouted by many D1 colleges.  With this in mind the Knights are not discouraged, but motivated to start off the season with a W.

“To me they are a one man team,” Gregory said  “I think if we can stop their running back, we give ourselves a good chance.”

The Knights will play at 7 p.m. on Aug. 30 at Vianney.  The Knights home opener will be on Sept. 6.