Q: How did the preparation for the new season compare to those of previous seasons?

A: Every year you have a different team so you have to look at what you have and what the guys coming in look like and what they need. Then you try to concentrate on what they need. We have a lot of guys that haven’t played varsity before so they are lacking in experience. We are trying to get them as much experience playing on the field and playing together as possible.

Q: Who are the team’s captains(if they have any) and how were they selected?

A: I picked them and they are Richie Taylor and Thomas Bell. I selected them because they were major parts of last years season on varsity and they know what it is like on varsity. They give us that experience and they are natural leaders as well.

Q: How does the culture of this team differ from those in the past?

A: It’s early, but again we have a lot of kids inexperienced at the varsity level. I think the culture is still shifting and working. It has yet to be seen I think.

Q: What goals and expectations do you have for the team this season?

A: The expectations are that we get better each time we step on the field. That is the whole goal; that they come out and they work and are trying to get better.

Q: Your team went state semifinals last year, how do you hope to improve on that this year?

A: Win it all. No, the goal is to do well in the postseason. Each year is different and you can’t try to improve on what you did last year. You have a different team with a different group of kids with their own needs. As long as we come out and try to work hard and get better every time we step on the field, that’s the most that we can hope for. Whatever happens at the end of the season, happens at the end of the season.

Q: What are key areas you want to focus most on as a team this season?

A: I think we have a lot of guys that haven’t played varsity and don’t have a lot of experience. The thing is to make them understand they have to play at a certain level every time they step on the field and that they have to get better every time they step on the field. As well as just always trying to get those kids to the next level.

Q: What do you hope your team will be able to gain by the end of the season?

A: Hopefully a little bit of unity and hard work. The understanding of how that hard work pays off. Also, an understanding of what we are trying to work for as a team.

Q: What are some of the games on the schedule that you believe the team is most looking forward to?

A: I think anytime you play sister schools, so Howell and Howell Central we look forward to those guys. Then we have the state champions from last year, CBC, they are on our schedule. Those games are always fun and give you an idea what you need to work on and work towards as a team.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges the team will face this season?

A: The biggest challenge is working together. Many of these guys are new and haven’t played with each other, especially at this level. The big big challenge is working with one another, trying to understand what I and their team expect of them.

Q: Are there any players that have stood out to you so far through the first couple weeks of the season?

A: Richie and Bell. Those are our two captains. They sit in the middle back. We have been pretty defensive so far, and they are a big reason why we have two shutouts and we have only given up one goal so far this season. Those guys are it.