New Era Kicks In for GHS Football

Monday, Aug. 22 marked the opening of the football season, one that will see a number of interesting changes.

Although the team's first practice took place at , players and coaches are looking forward to using new high school field, which is expected to be available Sept. 1.

Coach Mike Ross stated that the new field is "one of the nicest fields in the area." The team will also have "new turf for practicing" as well.

The new gridiron will obviously benefit the players who have the opportunity to use it, but Ross also stated that "hopefully this will help keep kids in town." He noted that "we've lost people to St. John's, Valley Tech," and other local schools.

Coming off a winning season, the Indians will jump up into "Big SWCL", the Southern Worcester County League, officially called "SWCL A." Ross said that this "is a big step up for us," and that his expectations are simply to "compete in our division."

The team opens its varsity schedule the evening of Friday, Sept. 9, as they face off against Nipmuc in the debut of the field.

The two teams have split the last two contests between them and Grafton is looking at the "rubber match" as a chance to settle the score. Ross said that Nipmuc's team is "always competitive'' and predicted "it should be a back-and-forth game."

The team will use the same basic principles as they have the past few years, relying heavily upon the double wing offense, limiting mistakes and playing hard-nosed run defense. The team has only a few seniors, so they will be "counting on youngsters to step up," Ross said.

With a lot of new faces, a new field and a new division, the Indians enter a new era, and Ross is "hoping to open up with a win."

With many to follow, Indians fans hope.