After seven months of anticipation, Upper Perkiomen football is poised to play its first game under a new head coach. Dan Heinrichs says he believes the team is ready to take on Boyertown at 7 p.m. Friday at Keeny Stadium.

            "I can feel the excitement and the passion," Heinrichs said. "I think we are

Freshman running back Zack Adam hangs onto the ball  as he is tackled during Upper Perkiomen's intrasquad  scrimmage.

ready. I am confident in the guys. There's a new feeling of culture and belief amongst the players."

            The community appears to be paying attention. Last week, approximately 150 spectators attended an inter squad scrimmage at the high school.

"I would say it shows we are taking steps in the right direction and people can see we are putting in the work to be a better program," the coach wrote in a text message. "I hope the town and community shows up on Friday night with passion and excitement with the start of a new look to Upper Perk Football." 

            According to the coach, the Indians showed the necessary continuity to compete during an Aug. 19 scrimmage against Wilson Area. He said running back Zach Schwartz broke off two long runs and that its defense displayed much-needed continuity.

            "There's still a lot to fix," said Heinrichs, hired in January to succeed Tom Hontz. "But I believe we have the attitude and mentality to compete."

            The Tribe is looking to avenge a pair of defeats to the Bears from last season. It opened the season with a 61-0 road loss, then was defeated 62-31 on Senior Recognition Night.

The team finished 2-8, posting victories over Schuylkill Valley (31-14) and Pottstown (38-12). Seven of its losses were by at least 21 points.

            This season's offense, described as a power spread, will feature little trickery, according to Heinrichs, a 2013 graduate of Upper Perkiomen. Success will rely simply on execution.

"We're going to line up and run right at you," the coach said.

            Schwartz – the only returning All-Pioneer Athletic Conference honoree, who earned Pennsylvania's High School Player of the Week honors after running for 130 yards and two touchdowns and registering two interceptions last September in the win over Schuylkill Valley – should be the centerpiece of Upper Perkiomen's run-oriented offense. The junior feature back reeled off two runs of at least 80 yards in last weekend's scrimmage against the Warriors, according to Heinrichs.

            "Zach makes good cuts," the coach said. "He has excellent vision."

            Logan O'Donnell will make his first career start at quarterback. The sophomore's only previous varsity experience came in the second half last season against Fleetwood.

            "Logan handled himself like a senior during the scrimmage," Heinrichs said. "He made good decisions and led the huddle."

            Three returners, including junior center Jon Strohl, classmate Matt Delzingaro at left guard and sophomore left tackle Tice Hallman will anchor the offensive line. According to the coach, Hallman was selected as a team captain.

            Maddux Diaz, a sophomore, will line up at right tackle. His classmate Ethan Scharneck and senior Jedidiah Ianuari are expected to share time at right guard.

            Senior Eric Romanowski, a converted fullback, will start at tight end. A pair of sophomores, Tucker Ruch and Johnny Renzi, will line up at wide receiver with junior Aiden Void.

            The returning linebacker trio of Delizngaro, along with seniors Gavin Weiss and Jayden White, are expected to provide leadership on and off the field. The defensive line will feature Scharneck, Romanowski along with seniors Micha Renzi and James Rogers.

            "Ethan is very coachable," Heinrichs said of Scharneck. "I can't think of anyone I've ever coached who picks up things quicker."

            Zane Saeger is expected to start at one of the safety positions. Schwartz and Void are competing for the other spot.

            At cornerback, Gavin Weiss saw significant playing time last season. Cooper Schwartz and Joe Schmittenger could line up on the other side of the field, according to Heinrichs.

The new coach says he wants the spectators to see a competitive team that displays hustle and passion. Heinrichs claims he wants the community to be proud of the team.

            "I'm sure we're going to make mistakes," the coach said. "The key is how you respond. I hope we can rally, and continue to build confidence so the players can continue learning how to overcome difficulties."