The Portage Collegiate Institute Trojans hope to keep up momentum.

It won't be easy, though.

The Trojans, who narrowly missed out on the opportunity to play in the Kas Vidruk Division championship game, will look to take the next step this year. However, with much of the offence from last year graduated, it will be on a group of younger players to move the chains for this year's squad.

Head coach Brent Irwin said the team will look to build on the efforts of the 2011 team that was within two points of the Miles Macdonell Buckeyes in the dying stages of the division semifinal before allowing a pair of late touchdowns to fall 43-27.

"We had a few vets graduate, but that happens every year," said Irwin. "Last year was maybe a little higher than normal, but we certainly have a lot of interest from the players' perspective as far as numbers go.

"Hopefully they're committed and we have a great year."

Last year's quarterbacking tandem of Cole Brydges and Brennan Garrioch are both gone due to graduation. Brandon Twiss and Braeden Pritchard are both vying to line up under centre in the season opener.

"It'll be new either way. Both quarterbacks are showing good signs in camp,so we're comfortable moving ahead with them," said Irwin. "They both, obviously, have different strengths. We'll see how it goes.

"We haven't decided as of yet who will be the starter this year, but by the end of next week, we should have a good idea who's stepping ahead. We'll probably name our starting quarterback by the end of next week."

Not all players have yet reported to camp, but Irwin expects the full contingent to be out on Monday with seven sessions to go before PCI opens its season on the road against the River East Kodiaks on Sept. 7.

For more, please see Friday's edition of the Portage Daily Graphic.

dan.falloon@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: PDGdfalloon