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How much time he's still not sure. But he is determined to see it through to the end.

"This is not a football school," Zebelian said. "This school has been down for so long in football that it is going to take some time to point this ship in the right direction. But we have some good athletes this season and they are willing to work.

"That's a good start."

Brown City went 2-7 in 2007 just one season after going winless in 2006. Add in the fact that the Green Devils play in the traditionally tough Greater Thumb East and that makes Zebelian's quest at Brown City seem like a difficult one at best.

But Zebelian is positive that he can get the job done.

"We have good numbers on the varsity this season," Zebelian said. "We have 30 kids out for varsity. I would have liked a few more but to get 30 in my first year here is a good sign.

"Hopefully we can get it started this year and get even more kids next fall."

For now, though, Zebelian and his team might have to weather past the storm of their programs growing pains, at least for this season. Zebelian pointed out a few kids on his team, though, that he believes are more than capable of being the ones who set a good example for future Green Devils.

Senior running back Gus Dufort, who led Brown City in rushing in 2007, has been named one of the three team captains in 2008. Dufort (5-8, 166) will also see time as a defensive back for Zebelian.

Captain Tyler Wood (5-11, 171) will see time at linebacker on defense and at tight end on offense. Fellow captain Chris Page (6-1, 202) will split time between tackle on offense and linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.

As for juniors, Zebelian expects Mike Angerbrandt (5-11, 162) to start at defensive end and tight end on offense. Junior Tyler Foster (6-0, 164) should be the starter at offensive guard and outside linebacker.

For Zebelian, this year will be a long way in determining how long of a rebuilding process he is in for. But no matter how long it will take, Zebelian says that he has every intention of seeing it through.

"It's been a rough decade here at Brown City," Zebelian said. "We have been down in the past, so we have to rebuild the confidence here first. But we've seen a real good attitude here so far, so that gives me hope for the future.

Andrew Selich is Sports Editor at The County Press. He can be reached at (810) 664-0811 ext. 8124 or andrew.selich@lapeergroup.com.