THUNDER SEASON OUTLOOK

By Michael Boren
Frisco High School RACC-TV

FRISCO, Tex -- With a new season and logo comes a new team. From a first year and first time head coach to a different quarterback, the Frisco Thunder is training to make all the pieces connect after last year’s inaugural season.

“Our expectations are high coming into the Frisco organization, but that’s where we want them to be,” said head coach Troy Esprit.

After twelve years of experience in arena and indoor football, Esprit feels he’s prepared to handle the San Angelo Stampede Express, a team that the Thunder beat in both 2007 meetings.

“We’ve got a couple things we need to iron out before Saturday’s game, but we’re comfortable with where we are right now.”

The team lost several players after last season, including their previous quarterback. New is veteran quarterback Wes Cooper, who played in the last two Indoor Football League championship games.

“With the quarterback being the leader of the team, I think that’s a big plus for the Frisco Thunder. That was our first step coming in as a coaching staff,” Esprit said of Cooper’s signing.

This season also contains a unique schedule. Due to renovations for increased seating at the Dr Pepper StarCenter, the Thunder plays its first seven games at home and last seven on the road. According to the coach, it has its good and bad points.

“These guys get the comfort of staying at home for seven games straight,” Esprit said. “I think it’s the seven road games that will be a test for us.”

Yet, even with the variety of differences that this year brings, the Thunder will not be the only team that’s changed going into Saturday’s season opener.

“Every team comes into every season as a new team,” Esprit said. “Last year doesn’t mean anything. It’s all about what we do on gameday.”