Actually, the King’s Fork High School football team is in a pretty good position to start its sophomore year.

Sure, the undersized and overmatched Bulldogs didn’t win, or even score, last year. But that’s OK. Because this way, there’s no beaten opponent looking for revenge. No distinguished legacy to uphold. Nowhere to go but up.

And Shaka Miller, in the quarterback spot, wants to lead them there.

&uot;We’ve got the speed and the talent to do well,&uot; he said Wednesday after practice. &uot;We lacked in size and age, and now we have them.&uot;

After hitting the field last year with two seniors, three juniors, and less than 25 players, the Bulldogs now have several experienced gridiron men and start the year with more than 30 players.

&uot;We’re looking for hitters,&uot; coach Cecil Phillips told his team. &uot;We’re trying to create competition. Nothing is set in stone. We want to cultivate our physical presence. If you’re scared, football is not for you. If you show no disregard for your body, you’re going to be fine.&uot;

Last year, Norview gave the Bulldogs a rude welcome to high school ball, beating them 62-0. On Sept. 2, Fork has a shot at getting some revenge at home.

&uot;This is about us as a team getting a few wins under our belt,&uot; said senior J.R. Tenn-yson, who plans to take some handoffs from Miller. &uot;It’s a better team than last year.&uot;

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com