The start of a new school year brings anxiety and stress to many; however, the Tiger football team is already prepared to march on the field.

The Tigers used the annual Orange and Black Scrimmage on Aug. 17 as practice for their season opener against McCluer North High School on Aug. 24.

“It (the scrimmage) shows us what we can improve on, and what we need to clean up. It’s kind of like a time to get all our mistakes and flaws out before we roll in to our first game,” senior Kendall Abdur-Rahman said.

EHS returns several starters from last season, including Abdur-Rahman, an All-State quarterback. He averaged 37.77 points per game last season and also contributed 1,399 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.

From the first practice to the scrimmage, Abdur-Rahman has already seen the development of the team.

“We’ve grown a lot. We’ve become a lot closer just relationship wise. We’re just an overall more sound team,” he said. “A lot of young guys have matured, and we’ve just gotten better each and every practice.”

With last season starters Cale Warrer, Jacob Stellhorn, Carson Robinson and Griffin Kraut having graduated, EHS will have to rebuild their offensive line. The lone returner is senior Blake Williams.

“Last year I messed up a lot, but the seniors all around me helped me out, and now I have to help everybody else out,” Williams said. “It’s strange being in the leadership role. This year I have to be a leader.”

Alongside seniors Abdur-Rahman and Williams is senior Dionte Rodgers, who is back on the field after missing a majority of last season due to injuries.

With the return of Rodgers, a running back, the Tigers hope to strengthen their offense.

In the 2016 season, Rodgers stood out as a sophomore. He scored 27 touchdowns, beating the previous program-record of 24 held by both Collin Gardner and E.J. Jones.

“I’m pumped (to be back), it’s great! I’m just happy to be back on the field,” Rodgers said. “Last year was a bummer for me, getting hurt, but this year I feel like I’m going to bounce back and just have a great senior season.”

Abdur-Rahman, Rodgers and Williams all stated that their goal was to finally clench the state championship this year.

“Winning state is the goal and also just take it a game at a time,” Rodgers said. “We can’t look at the big picture until we get the little stuff figured out.”