The Trojan football team gets no relief after last year’s nightmare schedule caused Troy to start the season 0-6 before recovering against its last two opponents.

The schedule is identical this year, and the first five opponents are all teams that made playoffs last year, including the season opener. Troy will face Loyola-Sacred Heart from Missoula as the opener for the second season in a row. The Rams beat Troy 48-26 en route to an 8-3 season.

Troy has some advantages in returning junior quarterback Gabe Hickman, which should provide the offense some consistency.

Second-year Coach Jim Dasios runs a spread offense, largely based around Hickman’s arm and running ability.

“We plan on throwing a lot,” Dasios said. “(Hickman) throws well, and he runs well. It’s a spread-out offense.”

Returning key players include center Richey Ormiston, guard Austin Duve, receiver Andrew Haggerty and fullback/halfback Rickey Roach.

Much of Troy’s success will depend on utilizing the 25 athletes to the best of their abilities, and luck having a part in minimizing injuries.

Defense also will have to step up, as only one of last year’s games were decided by less than 10 points, a 12-6 loss to Eureka.

Dasios doesn’t expect a miracle, but he does expect improvement and a shot at postseason play.

“Our goal is to get better as the season goes on,” he said. “We just hope to win a few games and maybe make the playoffs.”

The first game for the Trojans is 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Loyola. They travel on the road again 7 p.m. Sept.  7 at Ronan. 

The first home game is 7 p.m. Sept. 14 against Florence.