Chieftain running back Glen Doss looks for running room at a recent workout. Source photo by Kevin Lozon

Now, third-year coach Tony Smith hopes the strong finish carries over into the current campaign. If the commitment, intensity and interest shown by the Chieftain players during the preseason are any indication, Smith said, the team’s chances for success are good.

“We had a lot of excitement,” Smith said. “Kids came out, they were coming out by the dozens because they saw the game against Ike and they wanted to be a part of that. We changed the offense and the kids wanted to be a part of that. A lot of people are excited about being a part of Utica football.”

Smith said that was evident during the first week of practice.

“Last year we had 41 or 42 kids, this year we’re up over 60,” Smith said. “We’ve had a lot of kids that were just excited to hit and then the (first) day of full pads came and, man, they knocked the snot out of each other.”

Offensively, the Chieftains will sport a new look this season, utilizing the spread formation.

“We’re a no-huddle spread team,” Smith said. “It brings a lot different flavor than we were last year and the year before that. We’re looking forward to it.”

Several players return to the Chieftain offense, including senior right tackle Martin Vulaj, who started at left tackle a year ago. Eric Richardson and Josh Brennan are also back on the offensive line.

Running back Steve Tate and receiver Adam Luckow are also offensive returnees.

Smith said the Chieftains have a much deeper core of receivers than a year ago, with Kyle Kelley, who started on defense last year, along with Martez Jarrett, Pat Krolczyk and Dan Rochon all capable pass catchers. Andy Orr and Ben Orr are both baseball players and good athletes according to Smith who will also help out as receivers.

Bolstering the line will be center Trevor Dubats, Danny Ori and Nick Baginski.

Vying for the starting quarterback spot are senior Jason Bryan and sophomore Connor Hinebaugh.

“They both bring different things to the team,” Smith said. “Jason’s more of a strong-armed throwing quarterback and Connor’s more of an athletic quarterback. He’s going to give us the ability to run out of the spread formation.”

Defensively, lineman Chris Brown leads a defensive front that also includes Vulaj and Ori.

“Chris Brown, off of the line you can’t block him, he’s too much. He’s a monster,” Smith said.

Brennan and junior Tyler Osborne will also spend time on the defensive line, with Luigi Pizzo and Robbie Arms returning as linebackers after seeing time there a year ago. Jared Johnson and Steve Ung are vying for the other linebacker spot.

The defensive backfield will include Rory McCarrey and Kyle Kelley, who both played last year, along with Pat Berishaj, sophomore Glen Doss, and Hinebaugh.

Senior Bobby Adkins returns to handle the kicking and punting duties.

Smith said a key to the optimism about this season is the senior leadership.

“It’s a different squad,” he said. “I think it starts with the seniors. I haven’t seen a senior class this good since I’ve been here. Chris Dasin’s group (on the 2005 playoff-qualifying team) was a good group with the Connellys (Derek and Kyle) and Caleb Sultes. It was a real nice senior group, they were really tight, and I think this group has a lot of the same thing.”

The Chieftains return to the MAC White Division, which Smith said he knows will be a challenge.

“We’ve got Anchor Bay in the White now (from the Red), we’ve got L’Anse Creuse North and Warren Mott in our division. This thing ain’t easy. It wasn’t easy the last two years. I felt like we got in the division two years ago and I didn’t know what to expect from (defending division champ) Cousino. Now we know; they’re a powerhouse. (Patriot coach) Mike (Powell) does a great job down there.

“Our goal is to be that sleeper team - let’s shock some people, let’s go out there, let’s play good football,” he added. “Every week, let’s have a chance to compete and win and let’s go out there with the attitude that we’re going to play a good game.”

The Chieftains open the season this Thursday at home against MAC crossover opponent Chippewa Valley from the MAC Red Division.