Bud Coy was still sleeping in a crib the last time the Bremerton High School football team won a league title.

That was 1993.

“We’re sick of losing,” said Coy, a senior who is competing for the starting quarterback position.

But despite going 7-43 since coach Nate Gillam took over six years ago, there is optimism for 2010 in Bremerton’s camp.

Gillam had about 50 players turn out for the team this season, more than in years past, and there are 21 players in the class of 2013, giving the Knights a young nucleus.

The team also returns starting running back Kyle Kennedy, a two-sport athlete who figures to receive the majority of carries this season. He rushed for more than 800 yards a year ago and also anchored the defense at middle linebacker.

“Kyle is ready for a breakout season,” Gillam said, adding the senior’s abilities may have gone unnoticed with 2010 Olympic High School grad Larry Dixon dominating the Olympic League the past three seasons. “He’s kind of been stuck in the shadow.”

Coy might not be in the shadows this season, either. He and sophomore Kaden Tomlinson are vying for the starting quarterback position.

Gillam likes Coy’s experience, having played two years of varsity ball, but he also likes Tomlinson’s athleticism.

Tomlinson is one of the fastest players on the squad and would bring a run-pass threat to the offense.

“It’s kind of the dilemma where you either go with the experience, or you get a younger guy in there and give him varsity time,” Gillam said.

Regardless of who lines up under center, the Knights will be competitive if the end of last year is any indication.

The team won two of those four games, with close losses accounting for the other two.

One of the losses came after a late fumble against North Kitsap High School in a 21-14 defeat. The other was a two-point setback against rival Olympic in the home finale.

“It’s taken a little longer than planned, but it feels like we are right on the brink,” Gillam said. “The guys are hungry for a winning season.”

Schedule

Sept. 3 *at Foster 7 p.m.

Sept. 10 *Decatur 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 Port Angeles 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 Sequim 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 at North Kitsap 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 **Klahowya 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Kingston 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Olympic 5 p.m.

Oct. 29 North Mason 7 p.m.

All home games played at Silverdale Stadium

*Non-league opponent

**Homecoming