After two straight seasons where his team just missed qualifying for the NJSIAA Group III state playoffs, Ferris High School football coach Wilbur Valdez has higher hopes and expectations for the upcoming season.

"I think the expectations have to be higher this year, due to the type of program we have," said Valdez, the former Hoboken High School and University of Miami standout. "It was such a challenge to make some gradual improvement and we've done that with back-to-back 6-4 years. We're proud that we we've been able to make that improvement. Our goal is to continually do better. But we want the players to realize that 6-4 is not success in the eyes of this coaching staff. It's time to get over the hump a little and take the next step."

Valdez has every reason to expect the Bulldogs to be better in 2008. He has a senior-dominated roster, filled with very talented skilled position performers, players who proved themselves on the varsity level a year ago.

"The players all understand that we expect more from them this year," Valdez said. "We want to challenge them to toughen up. They feel that it's getting closer. For the last two years, we were snubbed out of the state playoffs by a single power point. It makes you reflect on a two-point loss at North Bergen and a three-point loss at Emerson. We have to finish games like that. It reminds you how every single football play is. We can't bitch and moan over what has happened. We just have to win those games." Leading the way for the Bulldogs is senior quarterback Brandon Spann (6-foot-2, 180 pounds), who returns to his starting signal calling slot.

"He manages the offense well and runs the Wing-T the way it should be run," Valdez said of Spann. "He's a good runner and can do a lot of exciting things. He has a lot of speed."

The halfback is senior Corey Cottle (5-10, 180), who rushed for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

"He has breakaway ability," Valdez said of Cottle. "But they all can take it to the house."

Senior Rasheed Jackson (5-9, 190) is another capable ball carrier. He's also been a four-year starter. Jackson had close to 500 yards last season and scored eight touchdowns.

"He's also a big threat as a receiver," Valdez said.

The fullback duties will be shared by senior Isiah Dixon (5-10, 190) and junior Bryant Worts (5-11, 210).

"They're our version of 'Thunder and Lightning,'" Valdez said.

The wing backs are senior Chris Torres (5-7, 170), senior Mark Hill (5-11, 200), and junior Terrence Williams (5-9, 190).

Senior Andre Tucker (6-4, 205), who once was a basketball player at St. Anthony, is the team's wide receiver who now has big-time colleges looking at him. Pittsburgh, James Madison, Maine and Delaware have all shown interest. Junior Wayne Judson (5-10, 170) is another receiver. Senior Marlon Carpenter (5-11, 195) is the starting tight end.

The offensive line is blessed with a lot of size and experience.

"We definitely have nice size, but we want the size to be good size," Valdez said. "They definitely have a lot of potential."

Senior tackle Myron Glover (5-9, 260) and senior guard Anthony Pearson (6-1, 200) are mainstays on the line, but look out for junior tackle Justin Santos (6-6, 335), who is a physical specimen.

"He has the look that scouts want in a tackle," Valdez said of Santos.

Junior Ramel Monroe (5-10, 260) is the center while sophomore Steve Skipper (5-9, 260) is the other guard. Junior Darryl Williams (6-2, 260) will also see some time upfront.

Most of the offensive personnel turn around to play defense. Tucker is a stud at defensive end, along with Pearson and Williams. Glover returns to his starting defensive tackle slot, where he is joined by a platoon of Santos and Monroe.

Carpenter and Dixon are the outside linebackers. Worts is the middle linebacker and he's already being considered as one of the best junior linebackers in the state, according to renowned scouting reporter Dennis McCarthy.

Jackson and Cottle man the cornerback slots, with Spann and Judson at safety. Junior Taylian Mobley (5-8, 170) is another who will see time in the secondary.

The Bulldogs' coaching staff will read like a roster of former Hudson County grid greats, specifically from Hoboken. Valdez is joined by former Hoboken greats Keeon Walker (Syracuse) and Tyrell Dortch (Michigan State) this season.

The Bulldogs open their season against Jersey City rival Dickinson this weekend, a season that has to end in a state playoff appearance.

"If we're not in the states, then it would definitely be an underachieving season," Valdez said.

We'll have to see if raising the bar actually works for Ferris this season.