Okay, I’ll fess up to my initial pessimism. I had serious doubts Tim Paske would turn the Greene football program around after his team won just five games over his first two seasons.

He inherited a team from Lynne Simmons that had won four games and had a fair number of returning players. The Trojans won three games that first season, but were humbled more than one time and shutout twice. Season two produced better offensive numbers, but the wins slipped to a mere two.

“When you look at successful programs, there is a period of adjustment because you’re installing new offensive and defensive systems,” Paske said. “Players have to get used to your leadership style and coaching style. Lynne Simmons had a strong tenure here, but we were bringing in new terminology and new philosophies on both sides of the ball. Even after the second year, we were still going through the growing pains.”