Football previews continue with stops at Delphi and Benton Central

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - High school football previews continue as we head to Carroll County and check in with Delphi and then bounce out to Benton Central to catch up with the Bison.

The Oracles underwent some off-season changes. Delphi switched logo’s for the upcoming season as they will now use the Oracle O which is similar to the Oregon Ducks O. They also put an emphasis on off-season strength and conditioning. The biggest change is at the head coaching position where Josh Strasser takes over as head coach of the Oracles.

Strasser previously worked as a highly-regarded assistant coach for Marshall Overley at West Lafayette. However, Strasser is very familiar with the Oracles, having played football at Delphi and compiling a very impressive resume as a student athlete.

Strasser says an optimistic attitude is a high priority for the Oracles in 2012.

“It's great to be home, we are instilling the pride back into the program. We have a lot of positive atmosphere going on for the kids. We have a lot of new leaders on the team, a lot of great athletes are here, are numbers are up, the kids have been pushed and they are willing to work hard. That's a positive outlook on the season for us,” said Josh Strasser.

As for head coach Doug Nelson and the Benton Central Bison, expectations are high for the 2012 season. With a majority of the key contributors back for a team that won 6 games a season ago, the Bison were itching to get back on the practice fields.

“It's exciting. I talked to the seniors last night and I have big expectations for this team, for them to lead this team, and from where we ended last year to where we are going this year. I think the kids are excited and the coaches as well to be back out here,” said head coach Doug Nelson.

The Bison are lead on offense by returning quarterback and senior to be Brandon Rooze. Rooze understands that after winning 6 games a season ago, they wont be sneaking up on anyone this season.

“I think we all understand that nothing is going to be given to us this year. We kind of have a target on our back after having a good season last year and we just have to keep taking it one day at a time and keep going,” said Rooze.

The Bison begin the season with two winnable games, they open the season at North Montgomery and return home in week two to take on Seeger. The Bison hope to be 2-0 as they head into a week three game against Hoosier Conference favorite Tipton.

After not winning a game in 2009 and 2010 (0-20), Benton Central hopes to put back to back winning seasons together for the first time since the 2002-2003 seasons.