Bill Marsh has been a head football coach for more than two decades and last year was his first losing season. But taking over a new program that moved to a higher league classification is a recipe for a two-win season. However, this year he knows what to expect and likes what he is seeing.

“We need to be patient. I think last year we assumed too much,” Marsh said. “We have simplified things and slowed it down a bit and I have seen a lot more confidence in them. We have more experience and quite a few kids back.”

The team will play in an offense that relies more on deception than a complicated college style.

“I think this is a great offense for us and the kids have really bought into the culture,” Marsh said. “It is fun because a lot of guys will get to touch the ball.”

The offense will be driven by a core group of players that line up down the middle of the offense.

The Eagles will start sophomore Jaden Sheffey at quarterback. Sheffey is the first sophomore Marsh has ever named a captain.

“He started one game last year and we won it,” Marsh said. “He is an exceptionally smart kid and his football IQ is really high. He is like a sponge when it comes to the game… He just needs the confidence and to know that he belongs at this level.”

Sheffy said he was excited when he got the news but he was ready to get to work.

“I am ready to step up to it,” Sheffey said. “It is a blessing from the Lord to be able to start.”

Marsh said that he is confident his senior center Caleb Freed will help his young quarterback through some of the difficult times.

“He is an amazing quarterback. I am really thankful to have him,” said Freed, who also plays linebacker.

Freed said that he feels responsible as a senior captain but welcomes the role of helping to lead the team.

“If everyone stays focused I think we will be very successful,” Freed said. “This year everyone just needs to focus on what they can do individually.”

Marsh said that one player who has taken the biggest strides forward since last season is senior halfback and linebacker Noah Anglin.

“He is the toughest kid on our team. It is difficult to get him to come off the field,” Marsh said. “He has the best set of hands I have ever seen. We have a good core up the middle.”

On defense, Marsh expects his backfield to be its biggest strength.

“Cornerback John Mark Marinkovich, he is a difference maker,” Marsh said. “He hits like a truck.”

Anglin also said that he also really enjoys the defensive side of the ball.

“Well, you get to hit people,” Anglin said. “And there is something about hitting someone, making them fumble and ruining their day.”

On the line, Marsh said that he has been impressed with junior Andrei Leonardi.

“He has a chance to play in college,” Marsh said.

Marsh will also have a lot more help this season. Last year the team had four coaches as compared to 12 this season, including Dan Holden who won a state title in 1992 at Newport as the team’s head coach. Marsh will need the coaches to help keep the players in good shape for game day.

“Our biggest weakness is depth,” Marsh said. “We have to make sure our conditioning is as good as it can be.”

The team will be focused on league games against Sultan, South Whidbey and Kings.

“We will be more familiar with our opponents and that helps,” Marsh said.

Cedar Park will open the season at Seattle Prep tonight at 7 p.m.