Are you ready for some football?!

MARLBORO — First-year head coach Rich Ward and his Marlboro Iron Dukes are already excited about the 2010 season, roughly three weeks before the opening kickoff.

"I want them to play fast, and I want them to play furious," the Dukes' head coach said during a break at today's first practice of the year; football teams in Section 1 will commence their preseason practices on Friday. "The kids have really responded and picked up the systems well. They seem to be excited about it, as are the coaches."

Ward said his young players has worked out hard in the offseason, preparing for their Sept. 3 season opener at James I. O'Neill.

Senior quarterback Vinny Porcelli, for one, is excited for the new season to begin, as you'll hear if you click the video below.

One of the reasons for the Dukes' excitement is their new home turf, Dennis Burkett Field.

A state-of-the-art facility, Marlboro's home field boasts artificial turf, new bleachers and a large scoreboard, among other amenities.

If you haven't seen the new set-up yet, click on the video below to take in the field from every angle.
Ward said he and his players appreciate the commitment the school and surrounding community have made to their team, as is evident by the Dukes' new facility.

"People are excited, and now it's our turn to go out and execute," the coach said. "That's what we're trying to do on a day-to-day basis."