It’s year number two of the Mitch Moore regime for Greene County High School football. Media Day is today and the Rams and their coaches will be present at Linduska Field. The atmosphere is expected to be quite upbeat after a rigorous off-season weight training and conditioning program, plus four workouts a week over the summer, seven-on-seven competitions, and a padded camp in late July. Add in the fact that nearly all the offensive numbers and at least two-thirds of the defensive starters return from last season, plus a drop in class size from 3A to 2A, and the outlook is optimistic to say the least.

Greene County is looking to produce its first winning season in varsity football since the 2011 team went 6-4. The Rams were 1-8 in each of the past two seasons with one of Class 3A’s toughest schedules. The last time the Rams had a postseason victory was 2009 when they won a first round contest in Charles City to reach the field of 16 in 3A, back when 32 teams qualified.

The postseason has a different look to it now with 54 teams in 2A, and a ratings percentage index (RPI) formula used to determine the playoff qualifiers that do not win a district title or tie for first place in their district. All nine games count toward playoff qualification and the RPI uses your winning percentage, your opponent’s winning percentage, and your opponents opponents’ winning percentage.

The Rams host North Polk (Alleman) this Friday at 7 p.m. at Linduska Field in the annual Sports Drink Scrimmage. The regular season begins with a trip to Dewey Field in Perry on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. The Battle for the Cowbell can be heard on KG98 and streamed on www.raccoonvalleyradio.com.