Schalmont High School’s football team is coming off an unofficial Section 2 championship in the fall 2 season. The Sabres lost valuable seniors from that squad to graduation, none bigger than quarterback Trent Randle.

Schalmont, though, has reloaded with some younger talent. Sophomores and juniors are stepping into bigger roles this season, and the Sabres believe they have what it takes to get back to a sectional final.

They’re also embracing the target on their backs.

"The kids know coming in that they need to play like a champion," head coach Joe Whipple says. "If it's us, Glens Falls, Schuylerville … whoever wins the Class B championship in years past, we want to play up to that ability consistently."

Schalmont opens the season on Sept. 10 at home against Hudson Falls.