Monmouth College head football coach Chad Braun is entering his third season at the helm for the Fighting Scots. Braun stated that 2017’s recruiting class was larger than ever, but he thinks that will only help push the older players on his roster.
“Our philosophy is – Competition breeds excellence. Our guys know that they can’t rest and relax because somebody is going to pass them up if they do that. I think that’s good. I think your program is in a healthy spot when you do have competition like that,” Braun said.
After a stinging defeat in last season’s NCAA playoffs following a 10-0 regular season, the Scots will surely have a chip on their shoulder heading into the 2017 campaign. However, Coach Braun doesn’t want his guys to dwell on that 21-14 loss to Coe College.
“You use last year as a learning tool, but each year is a new year. We want our guys to play with an edge all the time. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing or when we’re playing. We want our guys to play with an edge. You have to do that to be successful on the field,” he said.
The Scots open the season this Saturday, Sept. 2nd, against Hope College. Braun anticipates a solid matchup with Hope, who boasted a 7-3 record of their own in 2016.
“Offensively, they return a slew of guys,” Braun said. “They’re going to be very senior dominated with that group – two terrific running backs that each rushed for over 1,000 yards last year. It’s going to be a great challenge for us Week 1.”
Kickoff at April Zorn Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
written by Jackson Kane
