As the leaves change colors and drift to the ground, the biggest sport in America starts up again. However, for the Fords, the season has already started.
“Preseason basically started right after EA Day last year. Especially with this group of seniors, they were eager to get to work,” Coach Brian Martin said. “And when summer hit, it was full go: we were doing four days a week in the weight room and three days a week on the field. Since camp started on August 11th, we’ve been going from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. every day.”
With a strong returning core, especially among the Sixth Formers, expectations are high.
“This last year is very important—it’s a statement year for the senior class and the rest of the team,” James Madison University commit Sixth Former Matthew Jones said. “We’ve shown improvement over the last two seasons. Now we just need to bring it home this season—and we have the personnel to do it.”
Sixth Former James Friel is also confident in what this group can accomplish.
“In terms of football, I’m most looking forward to play Episcopal Academy, but I enjoy all of the games,” Friel said. “I believe that all of the current seniors will step up, as I’ve already seen.”
However, replacing the talent from last year’s roster hasn’t come without its challenges, especially on defense.
“It’s time for young guys, especially on the defensive side, to step up and fill the roles of the six graduated seniors from last year.”
Coach Brian Martin
“It’s time for young guys, especially on the defensive side, to step up and fill the roles of the six graduated seniors from last year,” Coach Martin explained. “They’re coming along well, and they’re going to get their first action this week. I think they’re ready for the challenge.”
Offensively, the Fords are more confident than ever.
“It’s our second year in this system, so the guys are more comfortable and they understand what we want out of them,” Coach Martin said. “It should be a fun offense to watch this year.”
Leadership has also been a major emphasis going into the season.
“I let the senior class lead, and I say it’s their team as much as mine,” Coach Martin said. “We focus on two things: being focused and playing together. If we do those things, then our goal is to win the Inter-Ac championship. That’s why we do our two claps—to show we are focused and playing together.”
The Fords played their first game on Saturday, August 30th against Wyomissing, ranked 28th in the state, to open the season. Despite a strong showing, the Fords fell just short, losing by three points in a 26–29 battle. Still, spirits remain high, and the team is already looking ahead.
“The first few games are always exciting,” Coach Martin said. “We’ve been getting after each other for a while, and I think the guys are ready to start hitting somebody in a different jersey now.”
If preseason has shown us anything about this team, it’s that the Fords are hungry and far from finished.
“I’m really excited to get back on the field in front of my classmates again, and to hopefully bring them a 10-0 Inter-Ac season,” Jones said.
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