On the heels of a landmark 2003 campaign, the Goodrich football team is hoping for even better things in 2004.
The Martians open up the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27 when they host Richmond, a team that made it to the Division 4 state semifinals last season.
Goodrich coach Tom Alward, in his 12th season at the helm of the Martians, said the team’s attitude is ‘excellent? and they are ready to get the season underway.
‘They’re working hard and looking forward to a good year,? he said.
Goodrich broke a 31-year drought between league championships last year by tying for the Genesee Area Conference Red Division crown. The Martians then became the first team in school history to win two playoff games, advancing to the regional finals before losing to Erie-Mason in overtime, 26-20, finishing the year with a record of 8-4.
The Martians will return about 20 players from last year. Key returnees, according to Alward, are: running back Kirk Elsworth, running back/wide receiver Adam Compeau, linebackers Mark Bourassa and Andy Bohlen, center Michael Bradburn, tackle Mark Johnson, guard Andy Klumpp, and safety Joe Leppek.
Senior Keith Brotherton will lead the Martians at quarterback this year.
Alward said the team’s main goal is to strive for weekly improvement.
‘We want to compete in each ball game,? he said. ‘If we work hard and compete well, we’ll take what we can get. We want to improve on last year.
He also said Montrose, Mt. Morris, Lake Fenton, and Byron will provide some stiff competition for the Martians in the GAC Red.
‘It’s going to be a pretty balanced league,? Alward said.
However, before the Martians enter the league portion of the schedule, they will have their hands full with Richmond this coming Friday.
‘They’re a well-coached team,? Alward said of the Blue Devils. ‘They’re going to be an excellent test for us to see where we’re at.?