HASLETT - Losing a quarterback like Jake Tahaney could act as a devastating blow to any high school, but the 2016 Haslett Vikings feel they have the right ingredients as a team to, not only overcome one missing piece, but go to the promise land.

Junior wide receiver Sali Awuor and senior cornerback D.J. Smith agree the primary objective this fall is to play for a state championship.

"I know we lost like a lot of people last year, but our senior class this year really stepped up, and we just want to win a state championship this year," Awuor said after day one of Haslett football's summer mini-camp. "I think we are pretty motivated this year to get one."

The 2016 senior class knows this team has great talent, but with a long season ahead, its main focus is steady progression.

"We have to lay the foundation for the younger kids to create success and grow from." Smith said after day one of camp. "We look at every loss as not a loss because as long as we are getting better and laying that foundation for the younger class then we are doing our job."

The progression started early in the offseason and has caught the eye of Haslett head coach Charlie Otlewski this summer.

"We've had probably our best offseason in many, many years, maybe ever," Otlewski said after day one. "You hate to say ever, but it's been an awfully good offseason."

The Vikings begin their season at home against Chippewa Hills Thursday, August 25, at 7 p.m.