With the loss of some key players from the 2008 football squad, like linebackers Mike Brannon and Cyrus Mulitalo, the 2009 Sacramento State football season may come as a major task for head coach Marshall Sperbeck. However, the Hornets are more than willing to take on the challenge, and they are more excited than ever.

Sac State’s football program has improved since Sperbeck took over the team in 2007. He led his team to a great finish last year and hopes their great finish will provide some momentum for a good start to the beginning of this season.

Junior wide receiver Ronald Richardson believes that the team benefited from Sperbeck’s strategies and astounding knowledge of the game that will lead the Hornets to victory in 2009.

“We should have a good season. Coach has not only done a good job recruiting, but has done an even better job filling the positions. It helps that he’s well knowledgeable about all positions. It’s difficult when a coach can relate to only offense or only defense – but not Sperbeck. He understands both sides of the ball,” Richardson said.

Last season the Hornets had a 6-6 record, and they were just shy of making the playoffs. Sac State finished the season on a high note when they defeated UC Davis in the annual Causeway Classic rivalry game for the first time since 1999.

Due to last year’s success, it would be no surprise to many people that a predicted good season for the Hornets becomes a reality. UC Davis head coach Bob Briggs could not agree more when considering the Sac State football program’s vast progressions and expectations this season.

“Sac State is a much improved team. They have had quite the turnaround. Their offense and defense have great results, but that defense has a great group of linebackers. I have much respect for coach Sperbeck and his staff. They have done a tremendous job,” Briggs said.

When considering the loss of Brannon and Mulitalo, Briggs said he believes their absence will test the Hornets’ strength.

“That is the real test to being a great football team. You must have a consistent group of players so that when key players leave, not much changes. Good, successful teams come from consistent seasons. And as you win more, players begin to want to play for you, which in turn allows room for another consistent season,” he said.

Hornets’ junior defensive lineman Marque Willis said the team plans to maintain consistency no matter who is on the field.

“We already know our technique (on defense), and on the (defensive line) it is all about attitude. We do not have to change much as far as our offensive and defensive schemes go because the talent on this team can fill the shoes of those who have graduated,” Willis said.

Willis is confident that his team will be successful no matter how difficult its schedule may look on paper. He is looking forward to the challenge of beating the Aggies again at the end of the regular season on Nov. 21.

“As competitors, we want to win all of our games, but I can’t wait for the Causeway Classic. There’s something about those rivalry games that bring out the best in everyone,” he said.

Not only are the players ready, but Sperbeck has high expectations, too. The two seem to go hand-in-hand. He believes that the talent for this season is capable of having an outstanding season.

“The guys are excited for the chance to step up and show their talent. The defensive line will have all its starters back for this season,” Sperbeck said.

Sperbeck pointed out a few players to watch for when the season begins.

“The guys have showed real good competition between the offense and defense. For the defense, a few standout players would be (linebacker) Kevin Moore, (defensive backs) Deionte Gordon and Durrell Oliver. An offensive player to watch for would be (running back) Sam McCowan,” he said.

McCowan is going to need to step up as the leader of the backfield.

Running back Bryan Hilliard is out for the season after having shoulder surgery on both shoulders.

Quarterback Jason Smith is ready to lead the offense. Smith says his sprained ankle has healed well and he is expected to be completely healthy going into the season.

Preseason All-Big Sky team winner and preseason All-American Honorable Mention Christian Clark looks to be the anchor of the defense.

The Hornets kickoff their season with some stiff competition on Saturday, when they take on UNLV. The Hornets do not have their first home game until Sept. 26. when they play Eastern Washington. October will be a deciding factor in how well Sac State does in 2009. They must travel to Portland State and Weber State, which is no easy task. Montana travels to Sac State on Oct. 24. They finish the season with the Causeway Classic.

Sperbeck noted, whenever the two rivals meet, the intensity of both sides is extremely high. Sperbeck knows the schedule is difficult.

“We start with UNLV, and then head to Cal Poly the following week. The competition will be very high,” he said.

“To finish off the season with the Causeway Classic shows the intensity of our schedule” Sperbeck said.

Britney Rossman can be reached at [email protected]