STRASBURG -- Strasburg has had plenty of success the past two seasons and it's showing with the turnout for the team.

The Rams had around 46 players show up for the first day of practice Thursday. Strasburg head football coach Mark Roller said between the varsity and junior varsity they have somewhere between 75-80 players.

"I think the first thing that kind of sticks out was the numbers we had," Roller said of the first practice. "...I think it's a good sign for the program and where it's going in the future. I think the thing about football is people don't want to give up their summer. Any football coach will tell you that. We start earlier and you're not in school. And it's hot out here. People don't want to do that. But I'm very happy with the turnout we have, and hopefully we won't lose many and they'll be able to help us in some fashion."

Strasburg won the Bull Run District title in the shortened spring season of 2021 and then followed that up with a 10-3 record last season. The Rams advanced to the Region 2B semifinals, falling to Shenandoah County rival Central.

Roller said they have a lot of new players and he's hopeful they will mix well with the experienced players they do have back.

"We've got a lot of young kids out, a lot of inexperience," Roller said. "But I think that's good for the program. We have that good core coming back, and if we can mold some of these younger kids around them then I see the season looking bright."

Strasburg rising senior offensive/defensive lineman Omari Holliday said there's nothing quite like the first day of practice.

"Nothing but excitement," Holliday said. "It's a great feeling. I love being back out here with my guys, nothing better, nothing better at all."

One area where the Rams made their mark last season was the defense. Strasburg had one of the top defenses in the area and return a solid group on that side of the ball. Holliday led the team with three sacks and rising junior Colby Shaw had a team-best 115 tackles.

Strasburg rising senior quarterback/defensive back Ryan Roller, who led the team and area with five interceptions, said he thinks the defense can be just as successful this season.

"Last year I think we had a really good defense, but this year I think we can be probably even better at defense," Ryan Roller said.

Ryan Roller will once again try to lead the Strasburg offense. He threw for 383 yards and five touchdowns. Strasburg's leading receiver returns in rising junior Griffin Carter, who had 10 receptions for 177 yards last year.

The team will also have a strong core of the offensive line returning.

"Looking at them now, I feel pretty protected back there," Ryan Roller said. "I think they'll do a good job blocking. We have new talent, new speed, lots of speed. So I think we'll hit those holes."

Mark Roller said he expects Ryan, his son, to be more of a leader this season. Mark Roller said even though the team lost some running backs he still believes they will have a solid running game.

Mark Roller said they have a strong group returning on the offensive line, but the key will be the depth.

"I feel pretty good about our offensive line," Mark Roller said. "The depth is what worries me. Depth at those positions. And we'll have a lot of guys going both ways. But if we can get some of those younger guys to step in and fill some of those spots, that's where it always works out for us."

Strasburg open at home against Skyline on Aug. 26.

Holliday said he feels good about this year's team, but he also feels like every team will play hard against them this season.

"We're going to have a target on our back honestly," Holliday said. "I think we're one of the best teams in the district. I think we're going to have a target on our back, and everyone wants to knock the top dog off."

– Contact Tommy Keeler Jr. at tkeeler@nvdaily.com

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