Hubbard's football team will be one of the first in the Valley to take the field, as the Eagles open their season on Thursday night, on the road against Poland. "We've worked really hard this summer, and we have a good group of seniors and leaders this year", said head coach Brian Hoffman. "We just have to do a better job in the execution realm that first game of the year. We've made some mistakes early. They've capitalized on them, to their credit, and they've been successful. We just have to go over there and play our best football."
This is the fourth season in a row that Hubbard will open the year against Poland. The last three years, the Eagles have not come out on the winning end, falling 24-13, 24-14, and 24-13. Senior fullback Blake Novotny says this year will be different. "We're coming in with a different mentality. Last year, we were looking to pass on them, but with our line this year, we're looking to be able to pus them out of the way and run through them." Fellow senior Danny Duvall agrees. "It's going to be a change. We're going to go out there and play our game. We're a smart team. It's not the same team that it always is. We have a great defense, and our offense is clicking. I think we're going to run this game, and run all over Poland." Senior offensive guard/defensive end Billy Rentz says this year's team is a more cohesive unit. "Last year, it seemd like we were all about one player. This year it seems like we have different people that can give the bacll. We have a line that will block for the people to get the ball. And, the running backs that run the ball, they give credit to our linemen. Last year, it wasn't like that at all."
The Eagles have lost the last five season openers, which is why this season, the seniors stress that game one is the most important. "This year is definitely a lot more important than others. Our schedule isn't as strong as it was in the past, and we need those points against Poland to beat them, and get in the playoffs again", said Novotny. Rentz adds, "It's really important because you don't want to wake up Friday and read in the paper, Hubbard 0-1."
Coach Hoffman knows exactly what to look for on Thursday night, to know whether or not his team is on track for a 12th consecutive winning season. "Are we matching this team physically? Are we executing on our offense, defense, and special teams? And, are we playing with a lot of energy and excitement?"
The Eagles and Bulldogs meet up Thursday night at Pavlansky Field in Poland. Kickoff set for 7:00pm.
