After an injury-plagued season in 2002, Goodrich football coach Tom Alward is hoping for better health in 2003.
In about a month, Alward, entering his 11th season, and his staff will begin preparing the Martians in earnest for the upcoming year. The squad is looking to rebound from a 3-6 campaign last year.
The schedules for all Michigan high school teams, including the Martians, were released by the Michigan High School Athletic Association June 24. Alward said the Martians can expect plenty of tough competition, but believes they are up to the challenge.
‘It’s going to be a difficult schedule, but we have some talented kids and an excellent attitude,? he said. ‘If we stay injury-free, we should be in good shape.?
Goodrich opens their 2003 campaign on the road Aug. 28 when they take on Richmond. They return home Sept. 5 when they host Bay City John Glenn in a non-league match.
The Martians? first game in the Genesee Area Conference’s Red Division is Sept. 12 when they visit Genesee. Their other home games of the season are: Sept. 19 against Montrose, Sept. 25 against Lake Fenton, Oct. 10 against Otisville-Lakeville and their final regular season game, Oct. 24 against Yale.
Goodrich’s toughest foe figures to be league rival Montrose, who won the Division 5 state championship last year and have most of their players returning this year.
‘They’ll be the team to beat in our league,? he said.
In addition, Alward said Byron and Mt. Morris figure to be strong contenders in the GAC Red. However, he also said there will be no easy games for the Martians.
‘Seven of the nine schools we’re playing are playoff schools from this past season, and they all had winning records (in the playoffs),? he said. ‘Very few schools have winning records in the playoffs.?