Looking to get things turned around in the win/loss column, the Patrick Henry Patriots have been working hard to improve on last year's third place finish in the Western Valley District.

Patrick Henry ended last season with a 3-7 overall mark and 1-3 in the district, which was good for a third place finish in the WVD under first year head coach Brad Bradley.

"I am very excited to see this team in its second season," said Bradley, as he starts his second season as the gridiron boss. "They know better what to expect from me and my coaches and they also have a better grasp of the offense and defense this season."

Patrick Henry returns 15 players, including seven who started on defense and six on offense from last year's team. They include Devonte Casey (senior, WR/Corner), Ryan Revia (junior, LT), Matt Wood (junior, HB/OLB), Aaron Heath (senior, WR/S), Sam Hughes (senior, G/T), Greg Milner (senior, T), Mike Clark (senior, G/DE), Trevor Lawson (senior, G/T), Brian Napper (senior, Nose), Zach Cochran (senior, QB), Xavier Whorley (soph., RB/OLB), Melik Green (senior, WR/Corner), Remington Hinshaw (senior, kicker), Shaq Stanley (junior, LB) and Brandon Terry (senior, RB).

According to the coach, he is looking for Cochran (QB), Whorley (RB), Chad Migkins (RB/DE), Patrick Beddingfield and Stanley to be his top players to make an impact this season.

"I feel like we have good team speed and have the personnel to run a lot of schemes," said Bradley about the Patriots strengths this season. As for any weaknesses, he replied, "We do not have a lot of depth at all positions.

As for Patrick Henry's top game of the season Bradley stated, "First game right now. We take one game at a time."

The coach went on to say, "I am very happy so far with this teams work ethic this off-season. These young men have really dedicated themselves in the weight room and in the off-season 7-on-7 tournaments.

Patrick Henry will open its season on Friday, Aug. 27, when they play host to Hidden Valley. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.