Growth in sports comes in different forms. For many teams, it is improvement, whether from one season to another or from the beginning of preseason to the end of it. For others, it’s literal growth, as in, more team members.

Varsity Maine went to Thursday’s Poland and South Portland football and Skowhegan cross country practices. Here’s what we learned in Poland:

Strangers no more, feeling stronger in the system

In their second year with coach Seth Johnson’s system, the Knights believe familiarity will help them improve upon their 1-7 record in 2024.

“Last year was a rough year, but it was a learning curve,” senior quarterback Damon Martin said. “We learned his offense, defense, everything. We got it down, and I think it fits our team pretty well.”

The offense will lean on the triple option, as assistant coach Tyler McInnis has bolstered the offensive line and Martin used offseason film study to improve his decision-making.

“We’ve definitely struggled with running in the past, but that seems to be fixed now,” senior wide receiver Landon Cooper said.

Opposing offenses averaged 33 points/game against Poland in 2024, but Johnson was encouraged with his defense’s showing in last week’s scrimmage when it held Maranacook scoreless. The Black Bears defeated Poland 41-13 last year.

Depth is the best medicine

Three Knights have already suffered injuries that could keep them sidelined for the rest of the season, but with 31 players in the program, including seven seniors, a lack of depth hasn’t been a big issue.

To help with the team’s collective health, Johnson would rather his starters not play both offense and defense for the entire game. Johnson also wants players to focus on strengthening their primary position, though there will be situations in which two-way players exist. The reaction among the players is mixed reaction.

“I’m not a big fan of (only playing offense),” said Martin, who also plays free safety. “I like to play both sides, because, I don’t know, I feel like when I sit on defense, I get cold, I get dead legs and stuff like that. But if it helps us win games, it helps us win games.”

Fade routes and sharp cuts

Martin and Cooper have played football together since the fourth grade, which is one the reasons they believe their passing game connection is strong. But Cooper isn’t just catching fades, he’s cutting them, too.

Cooper said he’s been the team barber for almost two years, after being inspired by social media videos and realizing he could make a little pocket change. Besides team dinners, hanging out at Cooper’s house during a cut is one the Knights’ favorite chemistry-building activities. There are a few players, however, who won’t get in the chair.

“(Senior lineman) Damion (Gerding-Shaw) has long, curly hair, so he doesn’t really want me near that,” Cooper said.