LIMA, OH (WLIO) — Adversity is part of the game. That's what you gotta fight through to get back up.

Perry head coach Seth Evans enters his fifth season at the helm with a clear message for 2025: start faster and finish stronger. He's counting on a more efficient offense to lead the way.

"Last year, inside the 10-yard line, we didn't finish real well — we got in the end zone under 40% of the time," Evans said. "So we're really focused on finishing from inside the 10."

The Commodores graduated 15 seniors last season — nearly half the roster — including starting quarterback Hunter Scott. Now, a new competition is underway under center.

"We have a senior, Cody VanBuskirk, and sophomore Colton Scott battling for the quarterback spot right now," Evans said. "They're both doing a really nice job. They're making it tough on us. Each has strengths and weaknesses, and we're hoping one steps above the other in this next scrimmage so we can name a definite starter heading into Week 1."

Some of this year's senior leaders believe Perry holds a key advantage over the rest of the Northwest Central Conference: speed.

"Last year, we definitely had Kimari Glenn and Isaiah McFadden — a lot of track stars," said senior Sylas Johnson. "This year, we've got a lot of that same speed returning."

Senior Brodin Eickholt agreed.

"I feel like we've always had more speed than everybody else in our conference, and it's a big advantage," Eickholt said. "We just try to get you out in space and make plays with our playmakers."

Before Perry opens its regular season against Ridgemont, Evans knows what needs to happen for the team to get off to a fast start.

"Anytime we can out-physical anybody and beat them in the trenches, that's always a bonus for us," he said.

Johnson said he believes this team has the potential to go even further this fall.

"A positive record this year could definitely set that up — maybe even a playoff run," he said.

Eickholt added: "I'm just trying to have the best season, personally and team-wise. If I play well, I feel like the whole team will play well."

Evans believes that if the Commodores can combine their speed, physicality and stronger play in the trenches, they have a real chance to take the next step — and possibly make a deeper playoff run in 2025.

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