By Matt Browning

From Hillsboro’s Levi Smith, the Trojans only have one way to go this year and that is up.

After going 28-13 from 2018-2021, Hillsboro took a significant step back last season, winning just two games.

But Smith is optimistic that last season can be an aberration.

“I feel we have a lot of potential and the only way we can go from last year is up,” Smith said. “I have a lot of confidence in us as a team to do so.”

One of the reasons for the Trojans’ struggles last year was a lack of leadership, which is something Smith is personally focused on changing this year.

“Last year nobody took on that role of being a team leader and I feel that was the first step in the wrong direction,” Smith said. “This offseason I’ve been focusing on becoming that leader for the team and trying to bring us closer together and avoid that same mistake.”

Smith said there were too many guys last season that were trying to win by themselves and not buy into what was best for the team.

“The main keys I would say to having success this year is to play as a team and buy into the process,” Smith said. “If we come ready to work during the offseason we can improve our game in the areas we need to.”