A year ago, quarterback Frederick Holscher was easing his way into varsity-level football. He was getting a firmer grasp on the system and developing synergy with the running backs.

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Holscher was the backup quarterback. He knew that, with that job, he needed to be ready to go at any time. He didn’t expect that time to be mere days before Washington’s season opener at Havelock. It took some time for him to get accustomed to starting. After all, he was thrown right into the fire that was the Pam Pack’s non-conference stretch. The season opened with road trips to Havelock and Tarboro — two of eastern North Carolina’s top teams.

“(My mentality) is more relaxed. I know what I’m getting into now instead of getting thrown into it,” Holscher said. “… As the backup, you have to be prepared for that kind of thing, but it was kind of chaotic.”

It wasn’t until Week 3 against Conley that Holscher’s offense was able to find the end zone. It was a 22-yard dash by Suae Poe that gave the Pam Pack its first points of the season.”

Holscher said it took four or five games last season until he felt like he settled into the role. Incorporating passing into the offense more helped him feel more comfortable. He threw his first career touchdown in a loss to Plymouth. It was a 22-yard connection with Matt Black, who broke in behind a pair of defenders.

It was a tough season, though. That loss to the Vikings marked Washington’s fifth straight to open the season. There were still highlights along the way. The Pam Pack hit a stride and won its first three conference games. Holscher said his favorite memory from 2016 was hitting Nazzir Hardy for a 51-yard touchdown just before halftime of Washington’s homecoming win over North Pitt.

The senior signal caller has had an entire offseason to prepare for another season starting under center. He’s been able to spend time with new offensive coordinator Perry Owens, who strives to bring a faster offense that lets Holscher move the ball through the air.

“It’s been a lot better this summer because I’ve been able to learn the plays and get most of the reps,” Holscher said. “… (Owens) has really helped me with learning how to read the defense and make reads.”

The result is confidence.

“I think his confidence is 100 percent improved. He was thrown into the fire this time last year,” head coach Jon Blank said. “I don’t know that we prepared him correctly at that point. I don’t know that he was prepared, mentally, at that point. So, a year under his belt and a new system that he is pretty comfortable with, confidence is the biggest thing.”

One thing is for sure. Holscher is prepared this time around. He’s seen some of the toughest competition around. It’s been his mission since the 2016 season ended to do all he can to lead Washington into this new era.