Moments into the first day of full-pads practice, the attitude was obviously nastier for a determined Marion County team.

Players were divided into groups for an old-fashioned “Oklahoma drill,” and amid the sound of popping pads and yells of encouragement, several supporters who had gathered to watch couldn’t contain their excitement. They like the prospect of a return to the physical style of football that helped build the Warriors into a state power.

Whether the added enthusiasm and newfound physicality translate into more wins remains to be seen. But the attitude adjustment, combined with an offseason workout program that has produced a much stronger and faster group, was needed at a program that has not seriously challenged for a region title in 12 years.

Marion has beaten the other three Region 3-2A foes at least once in the last three seasons but has been outscored an average of 43-10 by Tyner since 1996.

“We absolutely had to get in better shape and work on our mental toughness,” said coach Troy Boeck, a 2007 Warriors assistant who doubled the number of weekly workouts to four. “I walked in the locker room of several games last year and could tell right away that we were done.

“There is talent here, and the kids want to be successful. As coaches, all we had to do was show them we were going to work to get there, and they were all willing to do the same. We’re stronger and we’ve got six kids who run a 4.6-second 40 or better, so we’ve finally got speed, too. Now we just have to believe we can compete.”

It isn’t just Marion that has struggled to compete with Tyner recently. The Rams’ season-ending loss to Boyd-Buchanan in 2006 was their first in six years, and they avenged that last season to reclaim the region crown. This year Tyner returns its offensive and defensive line starteres intact and again will have a committee of speedy backs to carry the ball.

Senior Michael Poarch split time at running back and quarterback last season, but the emergence of Brandon Scott under center will allow Poarch to become the primary ball carrier. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Poarch averaged more than 8 yards per carry last year. Sophomore Travis Jones will get his hands on the ball in a variety of ways as a receiver, running back and ball-hawking defensive back.

If Boyd-Buchanan is going to challenge Tyner again for the region’s top spot, it will need a healthy Nic Hughes at quarterback. After building their offense around Hughes’ abilities, the Buccaneers were left scrambling when a torn knee ligament in the season opener sidelined him the rest of the year. He had missed about half of the previous season with a wrist injury.

“We have talent around him and pretty good depth in most places,” said Bucs coach Grant Reynolds, who welcomes back 15 starters. “If we can keep Nic healthy this year, I think it will make a world of difference. He can be as good as any quarterback in the city, so you don’t just replace that kind of talent.”

After being shut out in three of its first four games last year, Bledsoe County rebounded to scored 20 or more points in five of its final seven games. The Warriors not only earned a playoff berth but nearly upset Donelson Christian in the first round. But the graduation of all but one of their starting offensive linemen means points could be at a premium again early this season.

Junior fullback Chase Brown (5-10, 200) will be the key to Bledsoe’s wing-T offense.

“Our first-team guys are pretty solid,” Bledsoe coach Hubert Roberson said. “We think we can compete with anybody with our starters, but when those kids need a break, that’s what concerns us right now. We just don’t know how the younger kids will react.”

It has been eight years since Sequatchie County enjoyed a winning season. New coach Chad Barger was able to turn around Cannon County’s program but faces a similar rebuilding project in Dunlap. The Indians have won just one game the last two years and enter the season on a nine-game losing streak, and Barger is their fourth head coach in the last six years.

“We’re changing the culture here from losing to going into every game believing we’ve got a shot,” said Barger, a Sequatchie assistant for three years before leaving for Cannon County. “It doesn’t just happen overnight, but we’re working to get there.”

AT A GLANCE

Team on the rise: Marion County. First-year head coach Troy Boeck recognized immediately that the Warriors needed to be in better shape. After they wilted in the second half of several losses last year, Boeck’s first order of business was a much more strenuous conditioning program. Enthusiasm and numbers also are up.

Team on the decline: Bledsoe County. The Warriors must rebuild nearly the entire offensive line and have very little depth or experience.

Nightmare schedule: Bledsoe County. Eight of its opponents made the playoffs last season, and the Warriors must travel to both region favorites Tyner and Boyd-Buchanan.

Dream schedule: Marion County. Besides county rival South Pittsburg, only one of the Warriors’ five other nonregion opponents made the playoffs last year. Marion also hosts both Tyner and Boyd-Buchanan.

Best game: The region championship has been decided in week 10 each of the last two years, with Boyd-Buchanan and Tyner swapping the title. That trend should continue when the Buccaneers host the Rams on Halloween night.

Biggest shoes to fill: Tyner linebacker Wilson Jackson was among the area leaders in total tackles and tackles for loss and was seemingly in on every big play for the Rams. Although his offensive touches were limited, he was Tyner’s best short-yardage runner and the backfield’s best blocker.

Playoff bound: Tyner, Boyd-Buchanan, Marion County, Bledsoe County

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. Tyner: Both sides of the line return intact, and there is never a shortage of speed in the backfield. Running back Michael Poarch and athlete Travis Jones are game-changers. The only question is an inexperienced group of linebackers.

2. Boyd-Buchanan: Whether the Bucs challenge for the region title and a deep run into the playoffs will rest on the health of talented but injury-plagued quarterback Nic Hughes. The line is strong on both sides, but a lack of speed prevents Boyd-Buchanan from reclaiming the top spot.

3. Marion County: An emphasis on limiting mistakes and better conditioning are positive steps, and by switching to the I-formation the Warriors can eat up time. All of this adds up to keeping the score closer against more talented teams, which could result in an upset or two.

4. Bledsoe County: The Warriors get the nod over rival Sequatchie based largely on the fact that they host the Indians on Sept. 19. That game will likely determine who gets into the playoffs, and the Warriors have more experience winning those type games.

5. Sequatchie County: New coach Chad Barger will follow the formula that helped him turn Cannon County’s program around. It could mean a playoff berth this year, but it’s tough to build confidence in kids who have won just one game the last two years.

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