OTTAWA LAKE, MI (WTOL) - A year ago, Whiteford was at the top of the high school football world.
They made school history by going 14-0 and winning a Div. VIII state championship in Michigan.
"A lot of coaches and players have a career in which they don't experience that. We all feel really blessed that we had that opportunity. It was probably a few months before it really sank in. Once we were at the point that we started enjoying it, we shifted our focus to what we are going to do this year," said Bobcats head coach Jason Mensing.
Now the team is back to work.
They know just how difficult it will be to repeat as state champions, and every team will be giving the Bobcats their best shot.
"Being at the top of the mountain means everyone wants to take you off of it. That's the feeling. Our team is focused on Week 1. Try not to look ahead at any week until the one in front of you is done," said senior running back Logan Murphy.
The biggest loss from last year's team was their quarterback, Thomas Eitniear. He was one of the best players in school history.
As the team looks for a new quarterback, they stayed in the family. Eitniear's brother Ty is now taking over the offense.
"I like to be a little bit more aggressive. If there's a big block to be had, I want to go get it. I like to get involved in the play a lot more," said the new Eitniear under center.
"He has a completely different skill set. He's a completely different quarterback. He's a runner, he's a tough kid. He's a feisty leader. He's one of our captains. We're really excited about what he gives us. We're excited to see how his game blossoms throughout the year," said Mensing.
Taking some of the pressure off of a new quarterback will be their huge senior running back, Logan Murphy.
He had a large role in last year's state championship team,and will carry the load once again.
Whiteford starts their title defense against Blissfield.
