Coach Vince Ahearn and the cadets endured some tough obstacles last season.

"We got a lot of injuries on top of that...And it was something I think I'd never gone through in 20 years of coaching,” said Coach Vince Ahearn

             And the end result was a 3 and 7 season.  Which led to Coach Ahearn increasing the effort in practice.  Players say it's a necessary adjustment.

"They say you practice like you play...So if we practice hard, more intensity...And more focus during practice then that's the way you play in a game, says Forrest Brown

             So after a tough losing season and losing a large senior class...There's more varsity spots available.

 "I feel that all the positions are open and if people can work hard they can be there," says Michael Brown

 "That's good because i mean, everybody has to do their best to try and get a spot.  I mean the guys competing, that's what's going to make everybody better," says Deon Walker.

            And to have an improved season...Players say it starts with leadership. 

 "Our younger guys look up to the older guys...And the older guys help them out and all...And they're willing to trust them with anything they need," says Forrest Mason.

 "I feel like I got control of the team....especially with me being the quarterback I feel like I can run the team, tell somebody what to do and their not going to give me talk back," says Deon Walker.

            So the seniors are trying to get the team to play together as a unit and learn from last years difficulties.

 "We know not to give up a lost...And we know that we have to work harder," says Michael Brown.

 Deon walker "I feel like I can learn from mistakes i made last year and i won't make the same one's this year."

The Frederick High cadets will start the season at home against Tuscarora on September 5th.  On the countdown to kickoff I'm Harold Kuntz NBC25 sports."