August 18, 2011

Saint Anne's-Belfield enters this season as the defending state champion, but this team isn't focused on what it accomplished in the past.

"Last year was a great year, but it's over," said head coach John Blake. "Now it's a whole new year, it's time for this team to do its thing."

The Saints have half of their starters back from last year's state championship team, including all-state tailback Branford Rogers. He helps lead an experienced rushing attack that looks to be the foundation of the Saints' offense once again.

"We run 32 times a game, pass four," said Rogers. "The running game is a big part of our game and we're hoping to rely on it."

Also returning are all-state fullback Shane Palmateer and three of five starters on the offensive line.

"We could run the ball pretty well last November, and I think that we're just going to go from there and get even better at it," said Blake.

The Saints begin their state title defense September 2nd when they host Bishop Sullivan Catholic.