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Grant Bulldogs will be a little shinier this year

A self-described "old-school guy," Grant coach Vito Andriola says he may have ruffled some feathers last season when he decided that his players would wear plain uniforms and helmets.

"I wanted us to kind of have that Penn State look where it's just all about football, not about fancy uniforms or anything like that," said Andriola, who was in his first season last fall. "I didn't want our kids to think that if we lost but we looked good, it was OK."

Andriola is rethinking his stance on the minimalist uniform approach and the Bulldogs will look a little shinier and well-appointed this year.

That's exactly how Andriola expects the team to operate on the field too, now that his new system is starting to take root. The Bulldogs went 3-6 in 2014 but have loftier expectations in Andriola's second season.

"The kids are more used to our offense and defense now. And the coaching staff, same thing. That's huge," Andriola said. "We've been trying to change the culture and get them going in a direction that we can believe in."

Grant will once again lean on a run-oriented offense, and newcomer Isaac Jamie figures to be a focal point. He didn't play football last year but has been a quick study. He scored 3 touchdowns in the Bulldogs' most recent scrimmage.

"He's going to get a lot of carries," Andriola said of Jamie. "He's fast, quick and tough. Our backs run hard. We'll run the ball well. That's what we do."

Ben Schram and Riley Whitney will also get plenty of carries, running behind a line that is anchored by returning starters Isaac Ryczek and Tyler Coakley. Scott Porteri also returns at tight end.

Meanwhile, quarterback Hunter Sadoski and wide receiver Kemar Miller are hoping to add some balance to the Bulldogs' running attack.

"We know we're also going to have to be able to throw it to be successful," Andriola said. "We'd like to be able to throw 18 to 22 times a game. We'll see what happens."

Defensively, Grant returns four starters, including linebackers Anthony Damore and Brian Bajerski. Andriola says Damore, a senior, sets an aggressive tone.

Lineman Ricky Allen and cornerback Joey Conway also return to the defense.

"The question is how we're able to put it all together when the lights come on," Andriola said. "But our goal is the make the playoffs and I expect our guys to play at their best and give their best effort 100 percent of the time."

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