South Effingham football coach Greg Manior didn’t need another spring to make sure he had his stamp on the program.

The second-year coach now has had his Xs and Os and the way he wants his program to unfold in place. In fact, his imprint on the team began to come through in the middle of last season.

“They are starting to do things the way I want them to do it,” he said. “It’s exciting to see them do the things I want to get done.”

That his players have bought in to his style so quickly is reassuring to Manior, but he was an assistant before getting promoted last year. Still, for Manior and the team, familiarity has bred respect.

“It makes me feel great,” he said. “But since I was the offensive coordinator, the kids knew my philosophy and what I expected. The kids knew what to expect out of me.

The Mustangs wrapped up their two weeks of spring practice with the Cardinal and White game Friday evening, complete with a 14-12 result and a late goal line stand for the Cardinal to preserve the win.

“It was a successful spring,” Manior said. “The kids really came out to play. It was good to see that kind of competition and enthusiasm. They responded well.”

Now the offseason begins, with Manior hoping his charges can stay healthy and in condition. Should those things come to pass, Manior is optimistic about the Mustangs’ chances in 2007.

“We’re excited about it,” he said. “But it’s going to take some time to get where we need to be. My senior group is a good group. They know the potential they have.”

The Mustangs have made the playoffs five consecutive seasons, but haven’t gotten past the first round. Manior knows the string of first-round frustrations is on his team’s collective mind.

“They’re looking to get to the next level,” he said.