Though the first game is still over four months away, the football team is already in high gear. The Eagles are currently in the middle of a spring practice schedule that culminates with the Spring Game Friday, April 20.

“Spring’s a really critical time,” head coach Lee Owens said.

This spring is especially critical for a team that had a disappointing finish to 2011. Still clinging to hope for a playoff spot near the end of the season, the Eagles lost their last two games to Ohio Dominican (20-17) and Lake Erie (45-42) in heartbreaking fashion.

“I’ve never looked more forward to being on the field in the spring,” Owens said.

His players share that focus, starting with senior quarterback Taylor Housewright. He is gearing up for his third season as a starter. He wants to make sure this year’s team enters the season focused and on the same page. He pointed out that building team chemistry begins in March and April, not August when fall practice starts.

“I think this is huge for us to get to play with each other and get more familiar with each other,” he said.

Owens is confident in his senior quarterback’s leadership. He believes Housewright has the best group of offensive teammates he has had since becoming a starter. That includes running backs, receivers and linemen that have game experience under their belts.

“I think this might be his year,” Owens said of the senior gunslinger.

Housewright, who spent much of his time in 2011 running away from opposing defenders, made sure to point out the importance of having a good offensive line.

“It really starts with those guys up front,” he said. “I think they’re doing a great job right now and as long as they keep improving like they are they’re gonna be great players. We go as they go.”

Even though spring practices only pit the Eagles against each other, they still get the competitive juices flowing. Everyone is competing for something different. Whether it is for a starting role, a spot on the travel squad or a rank as an All-Conference or All-American selection, everyone is working hard.

They all have one goal in mind, however.

“We’ve learned our lesson,” Owens said. “We’re going to take this season one game at a time.”

Everything they do this spring and into the fall will be focused on defeating one opponent. The Indianapolis Greyhounds roll into town Thursday, August 30. That is a date that is circled on every Eagle’s calendar.