By Greg Collins, junior

In the months of April and May it may sound a little strange hearing talk of football, but for Friends University, the Falcons put on the pads to shake the rust off and allow the recruits a chance to get used to their new system.

The team finished the season 8-2 last fall, a record that Coach Monty Lewis said was not good enough.

Spring practice has consisted of individual stretching, special teams, seven-on-seven scrimmaging and team conditioning. The coaches got a good look at the 19 returning players as well as some junior college players who transferred in at semester.

Friends looks to have a strong middle on both defense and offense, only having to replace a few key defensive players such as Quinn Cunningham and Michael Batts secondary players, and Jordan Highly, defensive end. All were seniors.

Lewis is excited to be returning a large portion of his offense including junior quarterback Tim Rozell and his entire back field, not to mention who he believes are the best receivers around, Mike Hyde and Doug Pierce.

“Every year after coming out of the gate at spring practice, I make a quick evaluation on my team,” Lewis said. “Are these guys behind me going to win us a championship? This year the answer is ‘yes.’”

Lewis believes the Falcons will be strong on both sides of the playing field.

All conference punter and kicker Drew Johnson believes the key to their success next season will be the work that the players are willing to put in over the summer.