Call this the season of no expectations for the Patriot junior varsity football team.

Well, at least that is the case in terms of wins and losses. You know, there's that whole need-to-establish-the-program thing.

Practically though, the school does not have a varsity football team due to the fact that it does not have a senior class yet.

The upside is there is not the sense of urgency to win out and make the playoffs (that don't exist) right off the bat before the best players graduate.

Whatever happens this year happens and ultimately lays the foundation for the 2012 team to shine at the varsity level.

"That's the whole plan as it's been laid out for us," said head coach Brud Bicknell, who is joined this season by seven assistant coaches in helping the Pioneers through their inaugural season.

Bicknell himself is no stranger to high-pressure high school football. He helped guide Monticello High School in Charlottesville to the Group AA state finals twice during his 13 years at the helm, winning the championship in 2007.

The former Ohio Wesleyan University linebacker (Class of 1981) does bring with him some Group AAA experience, having previously served as an assistant coach at Albermarle prior to his stint at Monticello. Before that, he coached at Dublin High School in Ohio.

According to Bicknell, his team is operating "at a fairly deliberate pace" at this point in the pre-season as it's still "very early."

"Our goal is to get better and to prove an expectation and a tradition in these guys for years to come," said Bicknell.

More than 150 potential players tried out for the junior varsity and freshmen teams this summer and a few stars have already emerged.

AJ Cowthan, a junior who played varsity at Brentsville District last year, is "really doing an outstanding job for us," according to the coach. "He's real aggressive to the ball. He's running good routes; he's catching everything."

Cowthan played running back and defensive back during Brentsville's woeful 1-9 season. He'll now star as a wide receiver.

Near him on the line is junior Zach Martin at tight end. A vocal leader that will also see time at linebacker, Martin's contact level "is something we want all the kids to aspire (to reach), to hit like he does," mentioned Bicknell.

Meanwhile in the backfield, Bicknell has four potential candidates to lead the running game.

Sophomores Nick Ferrari-Smith, James Johnson and Vic Ceglie are all competing at tailback with Lovedeep Singh, who played last year on the varsity Brentsville team, providing an experienced hand at fullback. Singh can also expect to split time as a defensive lineman, according to the coach.

"He's doing a great job by leading by example," said Bicknell.

Sophomore Scott Cusankick has a "quick delivery" and throws well on the run, Bicknell said, while classmate Alex Martinez has leadership potential to "get the troops to rally behind him."

"I think they're both dedicated," Bicknell added.

Along with Cowthan, junior Zak Watson is set to be a prime target for the quarterbacks. Being more of a possession receiver than a natural speedster, Watson is "able to find the seams" in defensive gaps, according to the coach.

Minding those same gaps for Patriot is Nick Shaw, who brings "aggressiveness" toward throws in the air as a safety, said Bicknell.

As for the season as a whole, Bicknell said, "I think that what we're trying to do is run a program that we're trying to get better."