A season ago, the Oneonta Yellowjackets were on the outside looking in of one of the toughest playoffs in New York State, Section IV Class C. The Blue and Yellow graduated much of their skill positions, return their line and are culminating undeniable chemistry. Our latest Endzone Extra, brought to you locally by Maxsip Telecom.

In football, nobody wants to be the odd-one-out, the ones getting ready for basketball season a week early. For Oneonta, they're doing everything in their power to be one of the final four left in their Class.

"We want to be competing for a playoff spot," said head coach Will Neale. "Just week to week, constant improvement. And at the end of the day, be able to look back and be like, from where we were week one to where we are later in the season, know that we improved in all facets of the game."

Which is necessary as the Jackets know how tough this year's Section IV competition will be.

"Oh, just gives us more motivation and get better every week in practice and watch both film and hit the gym more," said senior quarterback Ayden Nelson. "Just more motivation all the way around."

Motivation that'll be coming by the by bunches once the stands get packed.

"Well, when you score a touchdown, the whole stadium erupts," said senior fullback Aidan Hendricks. "It's kind of nice to just listen to it and know that your whole city is supporting you."

The first chance Oneonta has to do that this season? Friday against Norwich.

"Beating a rival week one, that'd be huge for the team and a good confidence boost to carry us through the season," said senior wide receiver Eyden Nelson. "Just to get better and see where the communication takes us because, at the end of the day, it's all about communication with the 11 guys we have on the field. And if we can communicate the best and we can compete and be physical, we can win games."

Communication for at least two players, between twins, quarterback Ayden Nelson and wide receiver Eyden Nelson, shouldn't be a problem.

"It's a cool feeling that most people can't experience," E. Nelson said. "I like to be a good outlet for them."

But it isn't just the Nelson boys.

"The boys are buzzing, it's a lot of fun," Neale said. "It's a good mix. We got a lot of underclassmen, but the upperclassmen do a good job helping bring them along. We have some new guys that jumped in as upperclassmen that they're bringing along. And yeah, they're coming together nicely."

Coming along nicely, but with a mentality of anything but on the field.

"They're going to come out smash," Hendricks said. "And we got to come out, smash back."

The Jackets start their season at home against the Purple Tornado before hitting the road to SV the following week.

"Should be huge for the team," A. Nelson said. "Huge for the confidence boost and I think we build off that."