Playoff appearances have been sporadic and short-lived in the recent history of Bainbridge High School football, and when coach Dan Schoonmaker departed the North Kitsap coaching staff to take the reins of the program in 2023, it had yet to enjoy a winning record since entering the 2A Olympic League as its sole 3A competitor.

Fast forward to 2024, and the program already has its sights set on taking a stab at an up-for-grabs league title and a second-consecutive postseason appearance after the Spartans wrapped up a year to remember in 2023, arguably their best season in over a decade.

Schoonmaker spoke during a recent summer workout about the challenges of finding success in year one with a new system and setting, but added that he’s continued to be impressed with the adaptability of his players. “Last year, all these kids out here were just learning. A new coach, new playbook, new offense, new defense. Learning and playing at the same time is tough.”

The work ethic that led the Spartans to a 7-3 overall record – 5-2 in league play – last season and a play-in playoff game has translated well into year two of offseason workouts. Senior quarterback Jack Grant said the dedication has him hoping the program is ready to take the next step forward. “It’s the hardest I’ve seen any team work in the offseason before. Having that on top of showing we can be successful last year is a really great feeling to have,” he said.

The offense was certainly hard at work in 2023, scoring at least 40 points in six of their seven wins through a balanced mix of aerial attacks and punishing gains on the ground. Grant as a junior padded his resume as a dual-threat quarterback, passing for 1,764 yards and 19 touchdowns while finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher with 527 yards and eight more scores.

Schoonmaker’s primary tool for the ground game is also set to return among a hefty number of wideouts and secondary defensive players. Running back and linebacker Garrett Goade recorded over 100 carries in a busy junior season and made the most of them, producing 618 yards an average of 6.1 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also finished as the team leader in tackles and tackles for loss, doubling his return value to a Spartans defense that allowed just 15.9 points per game last year and forced double-digit levels of both fumbles and interceptions.

“I think we got a great group of people,” said another defensive leader in senior Paxton Malloy, who finished 2023 with two interceptions and 29 total tackles. “I think the teamwork and camaraderie will build as we learn how each other plays and everything, but other than that, we’re just kind of focusing on the basics right now—right footwork and everything.

Schoonmaker reports a senior class of 17 is preparing to lead the team, but the program’s future is becoming more intriguing with a heightened level of freshman interest. “We’ve got around 35 signed up for freshman football,” he said. “That’s crazy and awesome— almost double what we had last year. That and the community support; it’s really pushing that one town, one team philosophy.”

The journey that would lead Bainbridge back to the postseason will be far easier with the school’s reclassification to 2A. Grant said the benefits of playing as a 2A school outweigh the difficulties. “With the 2A status, it feels like we’re going to be on the same playing field with them,” Grant said. “It’s really affected not just football, but our school’s programs throughout.”

The Spartans are scheduled to start their season vs. 3A West Seattle Sept. 5 and will end it in another 3A matchup against Auburn Mountainview Halloween night.

And then there’s week two, a test at Tumwater Sept. 13 in what players are already considering to be the game of the year. “I think it’s a good test for us,” Schoonmaker said. “They’re a perennial favorite, and they’re a great program and super well coached. Let’s see what we can do against one of the best teams on the West Coast.”

Islanders will have to wait until Week 3 for the Spartans to take their own turf as they get all three in-county opponents this year in BI: Bremerton, Olympic and the all-important clash against North Kitsap.

As to where the team will end up, Malloy made it clear the target is the league’s top spot. “I think it’ll take just everyone putting in the effort that I know everyone can and being excited about all the games on our schedule,” he said.