By Nicholas Huenefeld

Special to the Sentinel-Tribune

ROSSFORD — The Rossford football team is focused on improving its 1-9 record from one season ago, and 15th-year coach Todd Drusback is excited about his team’s mindset in achieving that goal.

“The big thing that I like with our team is our energy and chemistry,” Drusback said. “Those things are so important when you go through a long season with a lot of ups and downs. Energy, positivity, everyone kind of understanding their roles and being unified is so important.

“I know the guys that were part of the team last year weren’t happy with how we performed. There’s a lot of anticipation and excitement to redeem ourselves and get back to playing Bulldog football.”

Last year wasn’t fun for the Bulldogs, who lost Grant Eckel to an ACL injury on the very first play of the season.

They won that game, but went on to lose the rest.

Drusback doesn’t believe his team’s record was an accurate portrayal of the Bulldogs.

“The saying goes you are what your record says you are, but we don’t feel like we were a 1-9 team last year,” he said. “Two of our losses were in the final minutes of the game against Lake and Maumee. We lost a close one to Fostoria. We were close at halftime against Eastwood.

“We felt like we were in a lot of games, but just couldn’t close them out. The big thing for us is to turn the table. The last time we had a season like that, we ended up having a 6-4 season the next year. That’s the storyline we’re hoping for.”

Drusback said Eckel’s return is “such a plus” for the team, as well as guys like Sam Wilburn, a three-year starter on the offensive line.

Two-way starters such as Keagan Engram at guard and linebacker, Jace Odenweller at wide receiver and free safety and Ronnie Hawkins at running back and linebacker are also back.

Blake Dewey is back as the senior will play tight end after serving in the slot last year.

The Bulldogs also have two young guys who are standing out in Jayden Martens and Jalen Webb.

Martens started at corner as a freshman and will also play outside receiver this year. Webb took over as starter at right tackle around midseason last year.

Some key losses for Rossford this year include Kaden Kirkman, Ayden Wilson and Owen Taylor, who is now playing at Heidelberg.

“Kaden is a big loss for us, and Ayden had one of the better seasons we’ve had at running back in a while. Those guys will be missed, but we feel we have some guys who will be able to fill those spots and get the job done,” Drusback said. “We have some other guys that we feel can be contributors who weren’t out there on Friday nights last year.

“A lot of our success (will depend) on how those guys kind of learn their positions and contribute. If they do a good job, then we’ll have an opportunity to win some games this year.”

One of Rossford’s strengths should be the offensive line, where they have the bulk of their starters back.

“We feel like we can hang our hat on those guys,” Drusback said. “We feel like it’s going to be a strength of our offense. We need to do a better job running the football, so we’ve been really committed to that in the offseason.

“Defensively, we lost some of those guys (on the line). Honestly it’s been kind of a revolving door of players. We’re hoping to solidify that here. We think we have those guys.”

Overall, the level of physicality that Rossford displays this season will determine the team’s finish according to Drusback.

“We need to be able to run the football and stop the run,” he said. “Those are the two things that will be big for us. That’s what I want to see. I want to see effort, attitude and good body language.

“All those things are kind of cliche, but they really set the tone. We feel like if you can do those things, you should be able to get in the right mindset to do some damage. Being physical is the big thing we’re focusing on.”

ROSSFORD SCHEDULE

Aug. 23 @ Northwood

Aug. 30 PORT CLINTON

Sept. 6 @ Evergreen

Sept. 13 OTSEGO

Sept. 20 @ Oak Harbor

Sept. 27 EASTWOOD

Oct. 4 LAKE

Oct. 11 @ Maumee

Oct. 18 @ Genoa

Oct. 25 FOSTORIA