While the ADM varsity football team limped to a 3-6 season and missed the playoffs, the freshman squad was busy putting together an impressive 2015 campaign.

Head coach Mike Whisner said a change in philosophy for the coaching staff helped lead to the freshman team’s success and should pay dividends as those players move through the program.

“I think the freshmen had a phenomenal year of 8-1 and they were really hoping they could finish the season undefeated, but gosh, they had a great year,” Whisner said. “One of the focuses we did as a staff and in general for football was we wanted to put three coaches with the freshmen because it was imperative we got them going right away as far as having some success because I think they won one or two games in eighth grade, so they hadn’t experienced a lot of (winning).

“And so what we tried to do was give more attention to that level as far as in the win category, but more importantly I think they learned a lot and they improved throughout the year.”

The three freshman coaches included Chris Ocak, a first-year teacher at ADM and first-time football coach, along with Adam Crannell and Cory Thompson.