But when the 2006-07 season tips off on Friday at 6 p.m. in Milford, things will be a little bit different for CCS head coach Dave Bertram.

``We have more size than I’ve ever had,’’ Bertram said. ``It’s unusual for us that the strength of our team will be down low.’’

Six-foot, six-inch junior center Eric Jederlinic will be joined by senior Quinn Snyder (6’2’’) and junior Brad Ashford (6’3’’) in giving Cooperstown a trio of tall frontline players. In addition, Bertram and the Redskins got an early Christmas present when 6’3’’ junior Archie Hendrick transferred to Cooperstown from Massachusetts last month.

``Archie has a nice shot, he’s a good passer and he’s solidly built,’’ Bertram said. ``He’s definitely a big addition.’’

Cooperstown will meet Ft. Plain in the first round of Milford’s annual Anton Remy Tournament on Friday at 6 p.m. The championship game is slated for Saturday at 7:45 p.m.

Bertram said he still expects to play the same type of full court, trapping defense that his been his trademark since taking over the varsity before the 2002-03 season.

``We’re going to try it,’’ he said. ``I still want to run and I still want to press.’’

Senior Chris Gulotta will take over the point guard duties this season.

The leading scorer on the boys soccer team that went to the sectional finals in the fall, Gulotta also brings speed and quickness to the defense.

``The one thing Chris, and most of my players lack, is experience,’’ Bertram said.

The Redskins lost eight seniors from last year’s 13-10 team, including starters Zach Sittler, Jason Conklin, Luke Banner, Jimmy Jennings and sixth man Chris Gentile.

``I think we have the talent to make a run at the league title, but it may take us a while to come together,’’ Bertram said. ``I expect us to be a very good team by the end of the regular season, though.’’

Sauquoit is likely the team to beat in the Center State Conference, Bertram added.

``They have most of their team back and a center from Waterville transferred to Sauquoit, so they should be very good,’’ Bertram said.

Sauquoit visits Cooperstown on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Junior Ryan Davine and senior Luke Tirrell will also see playing time at the guard position, as will senior Bob Bauer, one of the team’s better outside shooters.

``If teams press us, Luke and Ryan will have to be in the game to help Chris handle the ball,’’ Bertram said.

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, the Redskins will host Frankfort-Schuyler at 7:30 p.m. in the home-opener at Bursey gymnasium.