Greenfield football

Greenfield Bruins (2-8, 1-6)
 It may seem like a blur today. But once upon a time this program put together one of the best five year stretches in the county from 2007-2011, going 35-14-2 with two postseason appearances.
 Of course, the Bruins have gone in the opposite direction over the last four years with a 10-33 mark - just one win more than their school record total of nine achieved in 2010.
 Dwindling numbers have contributed to the programs struggles. At some point, the term rebuilding has to end.
 "There's been a formula for success here in the past,'' Greenfield coach Ryan Bravo said. "The last few years we haven't been able to do that.''
 But are they close?
 Progress isn’t always measured in wins. The Bruins were involved in three games decided by three points or less last fall -- two others in which they were within a point in the third quarter.
 An argument can be made that the lack of depth caught up with Greenfield in the second half. That  could change this fall with an experienced roster hovering around 36 players.
 "We've lacked leadership in the past,'' said Greenfield lineman Sabien Jackson, who begins his third year as a starter. "As seniors, we've emphasized leadership and more discipline.''
  The Bruins aren’t looking for excuses, just solutions in resurrecting the program. Experience counts and that starts with Jackson, a two-year starter on both sides of the ball.
 The 6-foot-2 three-sport standout has started 20 straight games for Greenfield, finishing among the team leaders in sacks and tackles last fall.
 While Greenfield has traditionally grinded the ball on the ground offensively, that could change this year as a new -- dare I say -- pass friendly system has been implemented.
 "I decided to make some changes on both sides of the ball,'' Bravo said. "We changed schemes. We have pumped new life into the program and are going in a different direction.''
 The Bruins were one of the worst balanced teams in the county last year.
 Still, it’s not a coincidence that during their five year run of success, the Bruins always featured at least one 1,000 yard running back.
 There is speed in the backfield this fall, starting with quarterback Rodrigo Frias and tailback Hector Ramirez.
The ability to chew up the clock would keep a defense -- arguably the strength of the team -- stronger in the second half.
 The postseason is a long term goal. Short term, five wins isn’t unrealistic.