The Redskins, who lost eight seniors to graduation from last year’s 4-5 squad, host Morrsiville-Eaton at 2 p.m. Saturday in the 2007 season opener at Lambert Field.

``We have some talented players, but they’re young and need experience,’’ Pugliese said. ``That doesn’t mean we’re going to lay down for anyone. I’m going into every game expecting to win, and it’s very important the players feel the same way.’’

This year’s team has just four seniors, including Tyler Combs, the captain of the team who will play linebacker and some running back.

Other seniors include defensive end Robert Busse, whom Pugliese said had a good day at a three team scrimmage in Ilion Saturday; defensive back and end Griffin Soule; and Mike Croft, who will be a starting guard and outside linebacker.

Tyler Hoke, a 6-foot, 175-pound sophomore, will take over the quarterbacking duties and will hand off to junior fullback R.J. Alton and tailback Tanner Niedzialkowski, a 6’2", 180-pound sophomore. When Hoke, who takes over the QB duties from the graduated Frank Petroskey, goes to the passing game, his favorite target may turn out to be fellow sophomore Brad Ashford.

``Brad’s just a good football player,’’ Pugliese said. ``He’s got great hands, he blocks well and he loves the game.’’

Ashford will also start at strong safety on the defensive side of the ball while yet another sophomore, Luke Folts, will start at defensive back.

``He’s got a nose for the football and he’s going to be a good player,’’ Pugliese said. ``The thing I like about this team is they all enjoy playing football and that’s what makes them fun to work with. We have some very good speed on this team, but big, physical teams are going to give us some trouble.’’

Junior Dan Senif is the elder statesman of the line of scrimmage, and will be the starting center and defensive tackle. At 5’10" and 200 pounds, he’s the biggest lineman on the team.

Another sophomore, Jed Rowley, will start at a defensive end position. Pulgiese said freshman Alec Silvera is one to keep an eye on down the road, and may turn out to be one of the best running backs Cooperstown has ever had.

Cooperstown plays in the Center State Conference East division, which is loaded with talented teams this season, Pugliese said.

``I know Adirondack and Herkimer are big, physical teams, and Mt. Markham may be the best in the league,’’ he said. ``They’re loaded with talent at every position.’’

Pugliese said this year’s Cooperstown team is similar to Mt. Markham a couple of years ago, when most of their best players were young and inexperienced.

``They took their lumps, but then last year they won the league and this year could win sectionals,’’ Pulgiese said. ``We are going to be a very good football team too, it’s just a matter of when.’’

Cooperstown travels to Adirondack on Sept. 8 and are home again on Sept. 15 for a non-league game against Delhi.