The Daphne Trojans are getting set for another competitive run at the 6A Region 2 title this fall with a preseason game at home against the Baker Hornets of Region 1 on Friday.

Daphne High School head coach and athletic director Glenn Vickery said the early preseason workouts were going well as the team shifted into pads and began to get ready for the '09 season.

"We are extremely excited about another season," he said. "Our coaches and players have worked very hard this summer."

Vickery said no surprises are in store as far as basic offensive and defensive approaches go, but striving to improve each day and week will remain a constant theme.

"Our offense will be about the same. As always, we want to be more efficient in all phases of the game." The defense will be brand new in terms of personnel in that no defensive starters are returning this season, Vickery said.

He added that the summer seven-on-seven tournaments provided some insights into the 2009 Trojans potential game plans. "The summer seven-on-seven tournaments were fun for the kids. It gives you a chance to see our guys compete and do the things we covered with them during the summer."

Vickery announced a few staff changes for the upcoming season recently: Rick Andrew is now coaching varsity football. Kirk Lawson is now the freshmen head coach. Brooks Beck and Jacy Todd have been added to the freshmen staff. Former assistant coach David Gregory has moved back to Tennessee where he took a head coaching position.

Vickery said some key players to look for in 2009, especially on the offense are returning starters Darius Baker, Israel Lamprakes, Joey Galmiche and David Fowler.

The regular season for the DHS Trojans opens on the road at defending Region 1 champion Davidson August 27 in a Thursday night matchup. After another non-region road trip to Pace, Fla., Sept. 4, DHS will host their first regular-season home game and region opener against Satsuma High's Gators at Jubilee Stadium the following Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. The game at Pace is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. All others are scheduled for 7 p.m. starts.

The Satsuma game will also serve as the Trojans’ athletic hall of fame induction night at DHS.