Stratford High School
Sport: Varsity football
Coach: Marshall Lehman
Question: What are your overall expectations for the team this season, and what is the team's primary goal?
Answer: Our coaching staff and players expect to compete for the top of the conference every year and make a long run in the playoffs. Just like our teams of the past, this year's team is full of a lot of upperclassmen who have a grit mentality. There will be growing pains early on with many starting positions to fill on both sides of the ball from last year, but we know these players are up for the challenge. They have had a great offseason and are ready to compete in a very tough conference again this year. Our goal every year is to compete to be the best and to do it with respect, grit and selflessness.
Q: Which returning players will be key leaders for the team, and what makes them stand out?
A: Top returning athletes: Brooks Vanderhoof (SR - RB and DB), Coltan Breit (SR - WR and DB), Drew Gage (SR - OL and DL), Jaegar Ormond (SR - OL and LB). Each of these guys mentioned played important roles on last year's state championship team. We have many key roles to replace from last year's team so it will take the experience of these guys and our abundance of upperclassmen to make another long run again this year.
Q: Are there any newcomers or underclassmen who have impressed you in the offseason and could make a significant impact?
A: Key newcomers: we have a lot of upperclassmen who are now going to have their chance to start on varsity. They were behind a great senior class from last year. Some of those players are Cody Randow (SR - OL and LB), Brady Berg (SR - QB and DB), Jack Remus (SR - OL and LB), Lucas Forest (SR RB and DB), Mason Miller (SR - WR and DB), Parker Glenn (SR - OL and DL), Aaron Knetter (JR - RB and LB), Carter Foster (JR - WR and DB), Connor Kreft (JR - TE and DL), Owen Lueck (JR OL and DL) and Tyler Budtke (JR - OL and DL). This is a large group of hard working seniors and juniors, so our coaching staff is excited to see how this team comes together and competes on Friday nights!
Q: What do you consider to be the team's greatest strength this year?
A: These young men worked very hard again this year and it shows with their lifting and speed. Both of those will be very important for us again this year. That, along with 30 juniors and seniors will help us compete at a high level again this year.
Q: Looking at your schedule, what are you most anticipating and why?
A: We have a great non-conference schedule again this year that will definitely show us who we are early on and get us ready for a very tough conference schedule. Our conference has many great returning athletes on every team. We are going to have to be prepared for a battle each week and take one game at a time. If we do that, I know this team can compete with the top teams in this conference.
Q: What message would you like to share with the community and fans as they prepare to support the team this season?
A: Our coaching staff and players are really excited about this team. Our goal is to grow close together as a family, build a strong character and have a lot of fun playing the game of football that these young men have been doing for years. We thank the school, parents and community for all their support and look forward to seeing them on Friday nights!
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