DEFIANCE, OH (WTOL) - When you step on the field at a Defiance practice, you'd never guess that the team went 1-9 last year.
This team is eager to change the stigma surrounding Bulldogs football. They've struggled in recent years but there's a renewed energy for 2018.
"We've struggled over the last couple of years. One of the things you try to do when turning a team around is getting the group to buy in, then putting pieces together and staying healthy. That's what we're trying to do," said head coach Kevin Kline.
"It's been difficult for sure. It gives us motivation to go out there and try hard. Knowing that everyone else thinks of us as the bottom team in the league. It motivates us to go out there and show them different," said Defiance senior Nick Herzog.
The team feels good about the offensive line up front, returning four of the five starters from last year.
On offense, the Bulldogs will try some different things. The coach's son, junior Caden Kline, will see some time at quarterback, and may also play some at the wide receiver spot.
"We have a good relationship as a father and son. I think we have a pretty good relationship as a player and a coach too. Sometimes, it's important to separate the two. You try to do that, and at times it can be challenging, but we work pretty well together for the most part," said coach Kline.
"I always get a few extra pointers when I get home. That just happens, but it's always great having him out there coaching me, telling me what to do," said the junior Kline.
The start of the year is always huge for Defiance.
They open up their season in the River Rock Rivalry game against Napoleon.
