Sometimes Mother Nature presents a challenge. But some teams find ways to work through the challenge to stay on track.

“We always wish you could have more reps, that’s for sure. But we’re going to make the best of a bad situation,” said Shaker High School head football coach Greg Sheeler, as severe weather changed Tuesday’s practice plans for Friday’s matchup with defending Class A state champion CBA Syracuse. “Hopefully get outside in a little while.”

Getting reps on the gym floor is still better than nothing, especially with the first game of the season just around the corner.

“We haven’t always been a huge team, but we always like having more heart and playing fast with speed,” said Anthony Luciano, a senior defensive back for the Blue Bison.

Luciano will be one of the key players to lead Shaker this year. The Blue Bison kick off the 2022 season at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Utica College against CBA Syracuse, the defending Class A state champions.

“They have some playmakers. We’re super excited to be able to play a team like that, especially them being defending state champs,” Luciano said.

Along with Luciano, quarterback Jake Iacobaccio and tight end Garrett Blind are also back, looking to keeping Shaker as one of the top teams in Section 2 Class AA.

“We’ve been always looking for the same thing: sectional ’chip, state ’chip,” Blind said. “But really have a good year, enjoy it and have fun, and that’s really what it’s all about.”

As the rain cleared, players took the field and were finally able to go full speed.

The Blue Bison saw their 2021 campaign end in the sectional semifinals, losing to Shenendehowa. Sheeler says that’s no longer on their minds.

“New season, new attitude,” Sheeler said. “We have a new team. We have a different group of leadership with our season, so they’re really trying to find their own identity as leaders and steer this team in the right direction.”

Friday night will present its challenge, and Sheeler hopes to see his team handle adversity well.

“I know this Week 0 game against CBA isn’t going to define our season- whether we win or lose,” Sheeler said. “We still have a long road ahead of us in Section 2. So we’re just looking to go and compete, and learn from it, and move on.”

Friday night’s Shaker-CBA Syracuse game will air on Spectrum News 1.