The Fruitport football program is definitely on the rise.

After several years of rebuilding, the Trojans, under head coach Nate Smith, hit their pace last season, posting an 8-3 record, winning a share of the championship in the very tough O-K Blue Conference, and winning their first playoff game since 2006.

Several key players from that team graduated in the spring, but talented replacements are picking up the slack this year, and Fruitport intends to keep building on its momentum in 2023.

That theme is reflected in “The Trojan Standard: Behind the Shield,” a series of videos produced by local journalist Billy Mann. He has spent hours in recent weeks on the hot practice field with the Trojans, filming the coaches and players as they prepare for their Aug. 24 opener at home against Kenowa Hills.

Mann’s goal was to capture the team’s optimism and intensity in the final weeks before another exciting campaign.

“I’ve always wanted to do a ‘Hard Knocks’ type of series,” Mann said, referring to the popular HBO television series that features a different NFL team going through the grind of training camp every season.

“It’s hot out here, but the ultimate goal is to get a cool look at the team. Fans, parents and family members are not out here watching this stuff. I wanted to give them a taste of the experience and give the kids the feeling like they are on HBO!”

A short intro video, the first installment of the three-part series, is just below. The second installment will be posted on Friday.

Click on the video below and start getting fired up, Trojan fans, because an exciting new season is just around the corner!