By ALEX SPONSELLER The Cranston East football team is getting set for this week’s injury fund matchup and is looking to turn things around this season.

The Bolts have had their toughest stretch in decades over the past two seasons, failing to reach the playoffs and struggling to compete with the best of Division I. East had one of the youngest rosters in the state the past two years and is hoping to see the experience begin to shine through.

“Camp went pretty well for us. The attendance was pretty consistent and the effort that the kids were giving us was consistent. They’re very excited to be part of the program and to turn things around,” said head coach Isaiah McDaniel, who is entering his first year as head coach after serving as an assistant on the East staff under Tom Centore for over a decade.

Although the East roster is returning much of the same core as the past two years, it is still looking for new faces to step up. McDaniel has been encouraged by the compete and dedication that the players have shown thus far.

“I definitely learned that they are hard workers and they’re not going to quit. Everyone is stepping into their roles and accepting the roles that we are giving out. People are buying in so I definitely think it is going to be a more cohesive group than we’ve had in the past,” said McDaniel.

The Bolts will also turn to junior Da’qwon Foster as their starting quarterback. In his first training camp as the starting signal caller, McDaniel has liked what he has seen both on and off the field.

“We’re looking forward to him stepping in and taking the reins. He’s definitely taking more responsibility with the team and when running the offensive drills. He’s becoming a leader and helping out the other guys including the other quarterbacks that don’t have as much experience as him. He’s embraced being a leader,” McDaniel said.

The Bolts will be taking on Moses Brown this Friday night in their injury fund exhibition, and they are excited to take their first step toward reaching their goal of making the playoffs.

“They are excited to put on the jersey and to get to the point that they have been working towards for two weeks,” said McDaniel. “We are going to focus on making as minimal mistakes as we can while playing. Playing tough defense, flying around, wrapping up tackles and getting people to the ball. Playing as a team, and getting as many kids as possible to contribute on Friday night.”