It's that time of year again. Football programs across the country have been cooped up in their hiding places devising the best strategies for their teams. With about two weeks left until football season, staff, student, and the community alike are itching to see what their favorite teams are coming up with.

For the first time in current world history River Rouge High School and Cass Technical High School will have the opportunity to go at one another. Coach Parker and his brotherhood of coaches have taken the team great lengths to prepare. The team just got back from it's out of town training camp, where the team bonded over physical training and proximity.

"Camp was great!" Says Parker before the annual Maroon Vs White scrimmage jumped off. "A lot of players developed, most importantly they grew as a team. But we still have a lot of room to grow, to prepare for just ourselves."

Referees were invited to the inter squad scrimmage to refresh the coaches and players of the MHSAA rules and guidelines. The Rouge coaching staff wants to ensure the players are sound in football technique and football equitate. Because win, lose or draw against Cass Tech the season, the lives of the players must go on. When asked of his expectations against Cass this is what Parker had to say.

"Our expectations are the same for any other opponent! We want to go into the game play hard, play fast, and come out with a W. If that doesn't happen we shake their hands and say good job! A lost isn't the worst thing that's going to happen to one of my guys. They're tough young men who have been fighting trials and tribulations their whole lives. At the end of the day it's my job to help them develop themselves as a man through those losses.'