Snyder getting back into the groove

PROCTORVILLE -- If Roger Snyder doesn't like how his football schedule looks, he has no one to blame but himself.

Already athletic director and baseball coach at Fairland High School, Snyder ushered in a new era on Thursday when he took the whistle as the Dragons' head football coach on the first day of practice.

And Thursday's humid final day of July took him back to the year 1992 -- the last year he was the head football coach of the Dragons.

"I almost forgot how much hard work it was going to be with all the time and hours, but I'm back into it," Snyder said.

Snyder replaces Brent Wilcoxon, whose contract was not renewed by the Board of Education last year. The styles between the two coaches are vastly different. Wilcoxon's strong suit was putting an explosive passing attack on the field while the Dragons of the early 90s were strictly a running attack under Snyder.

However, Snyder said the differences might not be as contrasting as many might think.

"We're going to spread people out and throw the ball some, but we are going to run the ball too," Snyder said. "Hopefully that will work out. We are going to try and be more balanced."

Snyder's team spent most of Thursday's dual practice sessions going through conditioning drills and learning technique rather than diving into offensive schemes.

The entire Fairland squad was not together as some players were still awaiting physicals and a few more were on vacation, including quarterback Cole Hatfield, who Snyder confirmed will be with the team despite talk of a possible transfer.

Even though his team was not at full strength, Snyder said the enthusiasm from those in attendance was encouraging.

"We still have some kids in and out but I've been real pleased with the way the kids have been getting at it," Snyder said.

The Dragons finished the 2007 season 5-5, but the team had four losses by a touchdown or less.

Snyder said the team will first look to make a mental change and then focus on physical changes.

"Working well together is the first thing you start with," Snyder said. "Then, we just hope our good athletes can make some plays. We'll try and score enough to win and play good enough defense to make it happen."