Drake opens the football season in just over one week and coach Rob Ash met the media Tuesday to talk about the progress of his team thus far in fall drills. Ash says one of the biggest adjustments for him this season has been a new NCAA mandated practice schedule that all college teams are using. He says it’s hard because he’s used to pulling out the same preseason camp schedule, and he’s had to use a new schedule. The heat has also been a hurdle in getting the players ready. He says they’ve had to switch some things around, but haven’t lost a lot of time to the heat. Drake is trying to get back on the winning track after 5-5 and 5-6 seasons the last two years. Ash says the fall has been a time for the small senior class to show it’s ready to lead the team. He says the two linebackers, Adam Lackey and Matt Smith, have stepped up to show leadership. Replacing four-year starter Ira Vadever at quarterback is another priority. Ash says it’s a two-man race with two sophomores vying for the job. He says the defense needs to improve for the team to get better overall — but it will need some help from the offense. He says the offense has to sustain some drives and control the clock to give the defense a rest.Drake will play a school record 12 games this season beginning with the opener at Illinois State Thursday August 28th.