AKRON – New Tippecanoe Valley football coach Darin Holsopple has seen a lot to like in the preseason.

He hopes that in the end that there’s even more to like in terms of a bounce back season this fall for the Vikings.

Holsopple, who spent the last 11 years as an assistant football coach at Fairfield High School, will try to return Valley to the program’s winning ways.

The Vikings suffered through a program-worst 1-9 record a year ago. That came after Valley had logged just two losing seasons in the previous 15 years.

“It’s been very positive and the guys have been buying into what we want,” said Holsopple on Aug. 7. “The attitude and the effort has been there.”

Holsopple, who played football and competed in track at both Fairfield and Manchester University, was hired on July 13. He replaces Scott Bibler, who coached the Vikings for just one season in 2014 after being the head coach previously from 1990-2005. Bibler resigned in June to take a job outside the school, where he had worked as a counselor.

“Every year is a new year and right now we’re in the same boat as everyone else,” stated Holsopple, who was also the girls track head coach at Fairfield for eight years. “These guys want to have a great season. We have not talked about last year. I do hope that makes them hungry to win this year and I have talked to them about the proud football tradition here and how we want to play to that level.”

Holsopple, who describes himself as an “eternal optimist,” likes the ability he has seen from his squad.

“There is talent here,” remarked Holsopple. “I really like our senior class. We have a really strong group of senior linemen and I expect them to lead the way for us. We have some good skill position guys too.

“It’s taking some time and it’s been a challenge because we have so much new stuff to put in and a lot of teaching to do. We have a lot of guys trying different positions. My No. 1 goal is to help guys see where they fit and put them in a place where both our team and them as individuals succeed. It’s important that everyone settle into a role and understand their role on the team.”

The duo of junior Alec Craig and freshman Rigo Butler are competing for the starting quarterback spot. Craig was the starter a year ago for the Vikings, who went 1-6 in Three Rivers Conference play in 2014.

“Both of them have done well so far in practices,” said Holsopple. “I would be comfortable with either one of them as our starting quarterback come the opener.”

The senior trio of Garrett Bell, Isaac Sponseller and Brandon Webster will all be looked to as big keys for the Vikings. Junior Shane Ellis will also be a key at one of the wing positions, along with Webster there.

“A big goal for me is to limit the guys we have playing both ways,” said Holsopple. “The thing that has been surprising is that we have 22-25 guys I’m confident with. I’m very pleased with that.

“Wins and losses are tough to predict, but I want us ready to compete that first game. I want us play fast. I want our offense to take what the defense gives us. I want our defense to play fast and physical and hustle and get to the football.

“I’m excited about the team we’re going to see on Friday nights.”

Valley opens the season Aug. 21 at Culver Academies. The home opener is Aug. 28 versus Western with the TRC opener at North Miami Sept. 4.