The moment is finally approaching for Indian Land High School's football team. Thursday will mark the beginning of a new season, and will erase the memories of a year ago.

Last year, the Warriors struggled, winning only one game and did not show much offensive firepower. This year, all of that could be forgotten.

Indian Land players have put in countless hours at practice this summer, and are looking for all of their hard work to come together. The Warriors play Thursday against Buford, a team that they know the most about and their biggest rival.

Head coach Mike Mayer wants to start this year how they finished last year - with a win.

"I think that would be a huge impact," said Mayer. "We need to get off to a good start. Not only with our first game, but win the first two or three games."

Mayer has heard all of the excuses kids can offer for having to practice in weather approaching 100 degrees, but this year has been different. The players are not complaining, and seem eager to kick off the new season and all of the possibilities that come with it.

"Our kids have more enthusiasm and they are more excited," said Mayer. "This year's crowd of kids really enjoys full contact. They like to hit a lot in full pads. They make each other work harder."

Hard work is the key to turning around a poor season, and there has been no lack of effort from the kids. They have been training hard and appear ready to take on the challenges of a grueling season. The Warriors have looked good in two preseason scrimmages, team morale is high and players and coaches alike are ready to take on the new season.

Mayer said the coaching staff is not looking for just one or two players to step up and lead the team. They are counting on numerous players to have big impacts this season.

"It doesn't need to be one-sided or just focused on one side of the ball," Mayer said. "It needs to be a total team effort."

The team has been focusing on the basics and trying to improve every practice. The better the Warriors get, the more layers will be added to the playbook.

This summer, there's been much more competition for the top spots on both offense and defense than in the past. Some starting positions have not yet definitely been named, and that competition makes the players fight harder.

Josh Camarire returns as quarterback to lead Indian Land into the season. This year, he will have better weapons at his disposal and a better offensive line to protect him. The line has been improving on a day-to-day basis and should be able to protect Camarire and open up some holes for the running game, something that was lacking from a season ago.

Also, sophomore running back Breon Williams is set to take advantage of the improved offensive line. Williams led the JV in rushing this past year and looks to exceed that on the varsity this year.

Mayer knows that a better running game will open up the entire offense. They can better control the time of possession and become the more aggressive and decisive team.

Buford will be a tough test Thursday for the much-improved Warriors. However, if they can pass the first test, they could be in for a much more enjoyable season.