Rising Sun football hopes improved practices make for better record

    You play like you practice.
    Rising Sun football coach Rich Opp is a firm believer in that mantra.
    "We want to win more football games," the second-year coach said.
    "And that will come to fruition if we improve daily in practices. That will improve our record."

    Rising Sun was 1-8 last season with the lone win coming vs. North East in three overtimes, 6-3.
    Even though they prevailed just once, the Tigers were competitive in several of the losses.
    Opp isn't sure what to expect from this year's squad. "We're still in the informal assessment stages," he said last week.
    He's been pleased by what he has seen so far. "The attitudes are very good. That's one of our strengths," he said. "They are quite coachable."
    The Tigers do not plan many changes on defense. There is a lot of depth at the defensive tackle position with Dakota Hodgson, Mat Duff, Chris Arrante, Charlie Russell, Quintin Gray, Austin Roberts, and Justin Killough each competing for playing time.
    Dan Carter and Kyle Miller will play defensive end. Rising Sun will count on Carter to pressure the opposing quarterback while Miller is a powerful run-stopper.
    James Moyer and Wyatt Griffith will play inside linebacker and Alex Billings and Ricky Orr will contribute at linebacker.
    Travis Bryant, Logan Luoto, and Noah Juergens will anchor the secondary.
    Changes are in store for the Rising Sun offense but Opp is reluctant to say what those changes will be.
    Junior quarterback Jack Stewart is expected to be a dual threat for the Tigers. Billings and Luoto provide speed out of the backfield. Moyer will see time at fullback.
    Marquis Topp and Juergens are slated to be the Tigers' starting wideouts with Miller at tight end.
    Jacob Cohen and Bill Hutzel could also contribute at receiver.
    Arrante, Alex Kerns, Carter, Curtis Cox, and Hodgson are among those who will play on the offensive line.
    Opp is being coy about the offense.
    "We have modified our offense and our play-calling schemes to adjust to the talent we have," Opp said.
    "People can come out (to the season opener September 5 vs. Perryville) and see what we're going to unveil."