Sauquoit, N.Y. - The Sauquoit Valley Indians begin year three under head coach Joe Inglis in 2019 and are hoping to have a year closer to his first than his second.
2018 was a disappointing season for the boys in red. Being plagued by injuries at key positions, the Indians went just 2-6.
"These guys want to go to the sectional playoffs," said Inglis. "The guys that are here right now, they got a taste of that two years ago. These guys want to get back to that level."
This year, they're looking to be a more multi-dimensional team, especially on offense where they hope to develop both a running and passing game.
In the offseason and so far throughout training camp, the team has worked heavily on conditioning so that they can avoid injuries this year and stay in games as they move into the later stages.
The Indians are laser focused on a very specific goal in order to consider this year a success.
"We are all ready to go and ready to do better than 500," said senior TE/DE Chris Callahan. "We have put in a lot of work in the offseason to bring us farther."
Enjoying a winning year a couple years ago provides those who were on that team in 2017 the knowledge of what it takes to win. It also fuels them to do what they feel they need to do so they can get back there.
"Getting the taste of a winning season my first year playing and then going into that losing season makes me want to have that first season again and makes me want to drive for it," said senior RB/LB Zach Ray. "I think this year the more discipline we have the better chance we have."
Sauquoit opens the season on the road against Class D opponent, Dolgeville, on Saturday, September 7th.