POULSBO — It’s another year for the Poulsbo Junior football and another brand new team, full of ninth graders, is looking to make a ruckus in a junior high Olympic league.

As head coach David Denton enters the season, being the lone returning coach with only two returning varsity players, he knows that the stage is set at Square One.

The 30-strong crop of ninth graders making the step up and inheriting the varsity program this year, has experience with the Panthers’ offensive systems and defensive strategies from their time spent on JV, however, the intensity of the next level will be a definite change, Denton said.

“The level of competition at the varsity level is much greater just because their ability to be physical at ninth grade is so much increased,” he said, noting stiff competition in the junior high Olympic League. “I think they are going to find it’s a physical game, and they have to stay in it mentally in order to make things happen.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Denton is hoping to make things happen with a striking attack, bringing stunt and blitz packages at opposing linemen with the hope of creating some confusion. Out of that initial chaos, PJH will look to utilize its strength and intensity to come out on top.

Out of the initial pandemonium of preseason practice, Denton said this year’s Panthers have taken responsibility for what the results of their season will be and have hit the ground running.

“They are very self-motivated, there are a few individuals who are pretty intense and good leaders,” he said. “(This year) there are more guys who are ready to play at the varsity level as far as in strength and speed.”

In the trenches of the offensive and defensive line, the Panthers have been training on technique and strategy, which, when matched with their strength, should unleash the speed at the skilled positions. Newly hired Assistant coach Michael Coe joins the Panthers with a load of lineman experience and has been working with the team to develop the PJH core, Denton said.

“He brings a lot of great knowledge, and a lot of great drills for the guys,” Denton said. “I think (the line) is going to be one of our strong points which will hopefully lead us into being able to run the ball, and also being able to pass in our offensive series.”

As the PJH crew stepping into the varsity shoes is versed in Denton’s offensive plays and formations from its JV experience, balanced attack out of the wing-T formation should be achievable this year. But Denton noted that the Panthers’ special teams and mental focus will be determining factors in the success of this season.

That process begins at 3:30 p.m. Thursday as the Panthers travel to Ridgetop to face the Raiders in what Denton believes will be one of the most intense matches of the season.