Southern Tier Sports ReportEDISON — The Edison Spartans hit the field last week as practices opened for the upcoming football season.
“The first day of football practice every year should be a national holiday in my opinion,” Edison coach Kyle Erickson said. “I’m looking forward to being out here. We have a good group of kids looking forward to the season and we are ready to go.”
The Spartans have found success the past couple of seasons and that has expectations high coming into the eight-man season.
“We are excited coming off the last two years,” Erickson said. “Especially last year was a big year. We have some players we have to fill holes from players graduating. But, this group of kids are excited to be here, they are ready to work and we definitely already have some of that family aspect. I’m just happy it’s the first day of football.”
One of the big things for the Spartans will be replacing all-state standout Greg Golden, who has been a key part of the Spartans turnaround in recent years.
“Replacing Greg Golden, both offensively and defensively, will be a difficult task for us this year,” Erickson said. “That guy was a game changer for our program. He helped some kids get a more aggressive attitude for the game. He’s somebody that will be missed. I think it might not be one person who specifically fills this role. But, I think we have enough guys to have weapons on both sides again.”
One of those key returners is quarterback Jace Schiller, who was an all-state quarterback a year ago, after racking up 1,735 total yards on offense, with 24 touchdowns.
“Having Jace Schiller come back with the season he had last year as a junior,” Erickson said. “His season last year kind of surprised us all. To have him, we know we have a tool to rely on. We know people will be focused on him, so who els will step up and be able to take on the role kind of like Jace did last year. People (last year) knew they had to stop Greg Golden to stop us, and it made Jace Schiller available to shine last year. So, what other kid might be able to stand out this year while other teams are scheming for Jace Schiller.”
Edison opens the season against Notre Dame.
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES
PHOTO GALLERY FROM PRACTICE:
