Rich Dutton has a two-tiered plan for his Grissom High School football team, working toward just its third winning season in 21 years. Dutton’s plan is for a physical ground game and a dramatic turn in the players’ mental attitude.

“We have a set mindset of not losing a game before the kickoff,” said Dutton, who has recorded back-to-back 3-7 finishes in his first two seasons at the helm. “I mention this in our leadership meeting all the time – that there is no perfect book or podcast that teaches you how to go from underdog to being dominant.

“That’s my goal and it doesn’t have a number of wins behind it. It’s just seeing my guys work and compete.”

The Tigers finished 6-5 in 2020 under coach Chip English and were 8-3 in 2002 under Ronny Massey. The Tigers were 5-5 in 2005. Dutton is the ninth head coach in the past 21 years at the southeast Huntsville school.

Quarterback Seth Leebern, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior, will be under center – literally – this season as Grissom plans to move away from the shotgun formation. Leebern impressed the coaching staff last season, especially in a 34-31 overtime win over Buckhorn in the finale.

Dutton said he hopes to pound the ball on the ground, possibly with an 80-20 run game ratio. The coach has high hopes for a newcomer to the team in 5-11, 190-pound senior Charlie Grisby. Grisby exceled on the baseball diamond for Grissom and is expected to line up at running back and wide receiver.

The defense will be led by senior end Jalin Edwards, a 6-3, 225-pounder who committed to Furman last week.

“I feel like I’ve been a great pass rusher, but I need to improve against the run,” Edwards said, “and get stronger in the weight room. We got this new technology now, this ‘VR’ thing – virtual reality – and what it does is give you a look at the opposing team’s offense from your field position’s view. That helps you see how to better beat the blocks and with timing in how the play is going to look before it happens.”

Grissom coaches also plan to use drones to video practice and maybe film games.

Senior defensive back Cole Porter, who had eight interceptions in 10 games with 16 pass break-ups and 37 tackles last season, is expected to lead the secondary. He said he believes a focus on the mental aspect of competition will help this year’s team.

“It’s all in your mindset,” he said. “You know, the lion is not the biggest animal in the jungle, but it has the biggest heart. Having good team chemistry makes a big difference, too. We love to just hang out or maybe go eat somewhere like Touchdown Wings or something.”

Porter is also a left-footed rugby style kicker for Grissom who can use his speed to catch receiving teams napping. Kaiden Burkes will handle kickoffs and place-kicking.

The Tigers open the season on Aug. 25 at Russellville and will host Hazel Green on Sept. 1. Play in Class 7A Region 4 begins in Week 3 at Huntsville. Grissom finished seventh in the eight-team region in 2022.