ROANOKE (WSLS 10 SPORTS) -
The Patriots return to the field after finishing 5-6 in 2015. They reached the postseason for the fourth year in a row before falling to Tuscarora. They return seven on offense and nine on defense, but there's no question that the patriots were led by standout senior quarterback Quishon Calfee. He helped his team average nearly 30 points per game in 2015. Now with Calfee gone, others on the team know it's crucial that they step up.
"Q you know he was a big leader for us and we just gotta...well me myself as a senior and a leader I just gotta push it in all my guys that we gotta go for it this year...go far", said running back Dakota Johnson.
The Patriots are not only confident in their two dual threat quarterbacks, Grant Jennings and Johntay Murray, but also their group up front the offensive line. Coach Fiddler says he's eager to see a resurgence in the run game.
"I think this is one of the stronger groups we've had up front and in the time that I've been here so that's one thing we're really excited about", said Fiddler.
"In the last two years we haven't been able to run the ball and we've been weak up front. But this year I think that we should have a really good group up there and you know hopefully they can step up and help us take it to the next level.
Patrick Henry will open up at home against Hidden Valley on August 26th.