Gardendale head coach Matt Plunkett brought two seniors with him to High School Football Media Days in the Gardendale Civic Center on Monday.

Both guys—wide receiver Conner Howell and offensive lineman Connor Bensko—will play large roles on an experienced offensive unit this fall.

Coming off an 8-4 season, all three Rockets are unified in their belief that this group can be the one to take Gardendale from relevant in Alabama’s Class 6A to a legitimate championship contender.

“This will be my 12th season to be a part of a football program as a coach. This will be my fifth year as a head football coach; I’ve never been more excited about a football season than I am in 2017,” said Plunkett in his opening statement.

The Rockets open up at home against Muscle Shoals on Friday, August 25. Gardendale split a two-game series with the Trojans last year, and pulls motivation from a season-ending loss in J.F. Moore Stadium in the second round of the state playoffs.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.