While they still have work to do before their season opener, Goodrich varsity football coach Tom Alward said the Martians are heading in the right direction.
The Martians recently returned from a trip to Port Sanilac, where they spent their first practice sessions from Aug. 8-10.
Alward said the team accomplished a lot during that camp.
‘We’re actually ahead of where we were last year,? he said. ‘We’re progressing and pulling together, and we’re getting better every day.?
Goodrich is coming off a season where they set a school record for season victories, going 10-2 and advancing to the Division 5 regional finals.
Key returning players for the Martians are running back/linebacker Joe Leppek, defensive end/offensive guard A.J. Harmon, defensive back/wide receiver Eric Hughes, defensive end/offensive guard Scott Edwards, linebacker/offensive tackle Josh Johns, and running back/linebacker Bennett Gillam.
In addition, Alward said junior Tyler Moncrieff is slated as the starter at quarterback.
With the addition of Durand to the Genesee Area Conference Red Division, Alward said there will be six teams altogether in that division.
Although he expects Lake Fenton and Montrose to once again be top contenders in the GAC Red, Alward said there will be no easy nights in that division.
‘Pretty much everyone will be improved from last year,? he said.
Nonetheless, he said he expects the Martians to once again be in the hunt for the GAC Red title and a state playoff berth.
‘We want to be competitive in every game,? he said. ‘If we show up and play the way we’re capable of, we’ll be in every game.?
The Martians open their season Aug. 26 at Richmond, then play their first home game of the season Sept. 2 when they host Bay City John Glenn.