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Three-Point Stance: Out With The Old, In With The New In Portsmouth

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Editor’s Note: Three-Point Stance is Gridiron Glory’s written preview series leading up to its 15th season on WOUB. Gridiron is visiting training camps for all 32 teams in the coverage area as they prepare for the 2013 football season. The series concludes in the SEOAL, a five-school league lacking not in competitiveness.

The 2012 season was anything but easy for the Portsmouth Trojans. At 1-9, the Trojans found themselves at the bottom of the SEOAL standings, failing to win a conference game. It was a tough season for the whole team, as the offense and defense each had their own struggles. The offense found itself struggling to score in conference games, only managing an average of 11 points a game. The defense meanwhile, allowed over 41 points a game against their SEOAL opponents. The 2013 season looks to be bright for the Trojans, though, as they welcome new head coach Jason Sparks and implement a new offense.

Here are three things to know about the 2013 Portsmouth Trojans:

1. Revamped Offense

After the Trojans averaged only 16 points per game all season, new head coach Jason Sparks brings a new offense to Portsmouth. The Trojans will run an up-tempo spread offense in 2013, not only spreading the field with weapons, but also going no huddle. In addition to the spread, the Trojans will run some Triple-Option, opening up the possibilities for catching the defense off guard.

2. Playing Both Sides of the Ball

With the defense having its own share of troubles in 2012, the Trojans will have a new game plan on defense as well. Coach Sparks, who has coached on the defensive side of the ball the past seven years, has decided to use his athletes as much as possible. There will be multiple offensive starters, who will also be starting on the defensive end. Not only will the skill positions be playing both sides, but the lineman as well. Sparks hopes to field a faster, more athletic team and use his players’ skill sets to score and get stops this Fall.

3. Riding for the Brand

With a new head coach, there is more than just a new game plan for the Trojans. There is a new attitude. Coach Sparks’ motto for this year’s team is “Riding for the Brand.”

“Everything we do, we’re representing that brand,” Sparks said. “When we leave here, we’re representing the brand.” Sparks emphasized bringing the team together not only on the field, but off of it as well. “We tell our young men to develop discipline, character and morals.”

Coach Sparks will make his Portsmouth debut Aug. 30, when the Trojans host the Valley Indians.

Follow @gridironglory on Twitter and Instagram and Like the Gridiron Glory Facebook page for continued coverage throughout the preseason. Gridiron Glory returns Friday, Aug. 23 at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB.