Ben’s Ford Christian School’s Eagles begin the 2017 season tonight, as they host New Orleans Home School with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

“It’s a big week for us,” Ben’s Ford first-year coach Dean King said. “Last week, we didn’t get to play a jamboree, which makes things tougher for us, but makes the kids hungrier. It’s a big game for us. Our No. 1 goal is to start off the season 1-0. We’re fired up about it. We want to come off that field a better team. I’m just anxious to see how we do.”

King said that all of his players are working hard and added that offensive lineman/defensive lineman Adam Smith and running back/linebacker Jacob Seal have been doing especially well.

“That’s two kids that are hungry to win,” King said. “When they come on the practice field, they’re bringing everything they’ve got. That’s two kids we’re relying on this season and they bring leadership. That’s something we preach about and they’ve brought leadership. They’re stronger and quicker for us. They’re learning more about the game and we’re excited to see them play.”

The Eagles have gone 1-9 in each of the last two seasons.

New Orleans Home School enters this season under Todd Smith, who enters his third season as the Saints head coach and his fifth with the team.

“We lost quite a bit from last year’s team,” Smith said. “Last year was our best year ever. We went 8-5 and we went 1-1 in the homeschool tournament. We’ve got a lot of holes to fill this year.”

The team lost off its running backs from last season.

Pete Wypyszinski is the team’s quarterback. He was the signal caller two years ago, but did not play last season.

Last year’s quarterback, Jude Rivera, will be a wide receiver this year, but is sidelined with an ankle injury.

The rest of the wide receivers are Jared Schamberger and Jacob Fisher.

The Saints are a run-first team and rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season. New Orleans uses a running back by committee with a stable of players at that position, including Angelo Dolce, Zach Stoehr, Andrew Brunet, Noah Jones and Joel Schamberger.

Smith said offensive tackle Sundi Dukes is probably their best offensive lineman, and he’s hoping Dukes can play at a small college.

Defensively, nose guard Ethan Bezet is a returning starter. Smith said Bezet is not very big, but noted that he is tough. Bezet made all-state in their league last year, and is also a starting guard.

The rest of the top defenders are ends Clay Boyle and Lance Simmons. Smith said middle linebacker Dolce looks like he will be a pretty good player.