Hard to argue.

Under former head coach Dan Greco, the Golden Cougars finished 5-5 overall and 3-3 in Class C South, six months after finishing 0-4 and 1-4 in the 2020 Fall II season.

“This team is definitely going to miss Coach Greco,” said Fischer, who served as Greco’s assistant in both of those campaigns. “I don’t think there’s anyone who can outwork that guy. He did a great job in the fall, especially defensively.”

Falconer/Cassadaga/Valley’s losses came against Clymer/Sherman/Panama, Salamanca, Fredonia, Southwestern and Wilson. The Golden Cougars’ victories were against Silver Creek/Forestville, Gowanda/Pine Valley, Allegany-Limestone, Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton and Cleveland Hill.

Backs, first row, from the left: Charles Reichenbach, Jerry Jones, Adam Brisky and Dan Quattrone. In the back row are Austin Chase, Matthew Welsh, Dalton Caldwell, Garrett Williams and Cameron Bower.

“It’s all about attitude,” said Fischer, who will be entering his 26th season as a head coach, with previous stops at Maple Grove and Chautauqua Lake. “When they start believing they can win, they’ll start winning.”

KEY LOSSES: It begins with Jackson Gowan, a quarterback and defensive back, and lineman Kyle Keefe, who were both Class C South first-team all-stars a year ago. Also lost to graduation were second-team selections Noah Abram (running back), Jake Swanson (offensive lineman) and Karsen DePasuale (linebacker).

KEY RETURNEES: Senior fullback/defensive back Dalton Caldwell, a returning first-team all-star, and senior running back/wide receiver/ defensive back Matt Welsh, who was a second-team defensive back a year ago, are the headliners.

“Those two guys have to provide a lot of offense this year,” Fischer said.

Other key returnees include senior kicker Brailyn Paladino, a first-team all-star in 2021; senior defensive lineman Garrett Williams, a second-team all-star a year ago; senior tight end/safety Brodie Little; senior center Jacob Chapman; senior lineman Brock Miceli; and senior running back/defensive back Cam Bower.

Quarterbacks, From the left: Mathis Baher and Lucas Sopak.

The quarterbacks, who will both see time, are junior Lucas Sopak and sophomore Mathis Baher.

“Baher is more of a running quarterback and Sopak is more of a passing quarterback,” Fischer said. “I think they both have great potential. Mathis is so athletic. He could play wide receiver, too. And then you have Sopak. He’s worked so hard. He’s a very accurate passer. It’s going to be building confidence for him. Once he has confidence, he’s going to be a really good quarterback.”

OUTLOOK FOR CLASS B2

The Golden Cougars will play in Class B2 this season, joining Albion, Cheektowaga, Dunkirk, East Aurora/Holland, Maryvale and Olean.

“It’s going to be a challenge, traveling a little bit further and playing bigger schools,” Fischer said. “I’ve never been one to be intimidated by anybody. Again, this is a big step in building a great program. … Once they start to believe, this program will skyrocket.”

Linemen, first row, from the left, are Riley Jennings, Gage Swanson, Kenickie Waterman, Hunter Paulisick, Preston Lanphere, Jon Lewis and Alex Kahle. In the back row are Owen Meyers, Kolden McCall, Lucas VandeVelde, Bryant Morrison, Jacob Chapman, Garrett Williams, Brock Miceli and Charles Sundquist.

Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove opens its season Friday at Albion.

KEY GAME: The first one, Fischer said. “Albion is a really athletic team, from what I understand,” he said. “I know they have a lot of kids coming back at the skill positions. It will be interesting, for sure. They’re always the top three or four teams in the division.”

SENIORS: Matt Welsh, Austin Chase, Cam Bower, Dan Quattrone, Aaron Porter, Jerry Jones, Dalton Caldwell, Garrett Williams, Brodie Little, Adam Brisky, Bryant Morrison, Brock Miceli, Jacob Chapman, Riley Houghwot, Brailyn Paladino

JUNIORS: Lucas Sopak, Landon Jones, Lucas Brown, Kole Hawkins, Hunter Paulisik, Devyn Morrison, Kolden McCall, Alex Kahle, Kenickie Waterman, Preton Lanphere, Luke VandeVelde, Jon Lewis, Thiquille VanGuilder, Gage Swanson, Eric McKeown

SOPHOMORES: Jacob Roth, Mathis Baher, Charlie Reichenbach, Chaz Sundquist

Receivers and tight ends, first row: Devyn Morrison, Adam Brisky, Brodie Little and Erick McKeown. In the back row are Austin Chase, Landon Jones, Aaron Porter, Lucas Brown and Riley Houghwot.

FRESHMEN: Riley Jennings