Editor's Note: This story is part of a preview of South Bend area football teams ahead of the 2022 football season, set to begin in August.

SOUTH BEND — Darius Mitchell is sick of South Bend Clay being the punching bag for every team on its schedule. Too many times over his first two years as head coach, he witnessed his team quit at the first sign of adversity.

So, Mitchell told his team to embrace the journey. Because only then would the Colonials make strides in the right direction.

"Embracing the grind was our motto all year," Mitchell said. "Show up in the summer, in the offseason, lift and condition, because we didn't do that last year. Last year we had maybe six, seven guys show up during the summer and it showed on Friday nights with how much bigger and stronger the other teams were."

Over Mitchell's first two season, Clay football has a 1-18 record, didn't win a game in 2021 and scored a total of 29 points. Still, he believes his team has the mindset that this could be the year things change and wins are on the way.

"Competing to win," Mitchell said. "Not just competing to be on the field. That was a Clay thing when I got here, even as an assistant. It seemed the kids were just comfortable with trying to keep it close. Now we are actually trying to compete to win the ball game. A lot more intensity this year. We are coaching them a lot harder than the past and they are embracing it."

Here is what to know about this year's Clay football team.

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South Bend Clay facts

Head coach: Darius Mitchell (3rd season)

Last year's record: 0-9 (lost in sectionals)

2022 schedule: Aug. 19 vs. Osceola Grace, Aug. 26 at Twin Lakes, Sept. 2 at Hammond Central, Sept. 9 at South Bend Riley, Sept. 16 vs. South Bend Washington, Sept. 23 at Jimtown, Sept. 30 vs Calumet, Oct. 7 vs Glenn, Oct. 14 vs Bremen.

Key Returners

Markus Rankin, senior, running back

"A senior that's poised to take that step and get people wondering where he came from, even though he has played for us," Mitchell said.

Dominic Mitchell, junior, lineman

"He's really starting to move more and get after it more on defense," Mitchell said.

Ethan Bendit, senior, lineman

"A four year starter and I think he is poised to take that next step as well," Mitchell said.

Key Losses

Michael McSorely, quarterback

"He was just the ultimate leader," Mitchell said. "He knew the game and was a coach on the field. Losing a kid like Michael definitely hurt."

Julius Bagarus, wideout

"Losing him hurts," Mitchell said. "Anytime you lose experience it definitely hurts."

Dontay Johnson, lineman

"Been playing for us for years," Mitchell said. "Knew the game and didn’t have to do much coaching on Friday nights."

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Biggest challenge this year

"Definitely conditioning," Mitchell said. "Back when we played we came to practice in shape and they expect us to get them in shape and with 30 kids it is tough. That has been a thorn in our side and just staying healthy. When you only have 30 kids, you can’t afford to have anyone go down."

Keys to the season

"Staying healthy and coaches figuring out that rotation to get the guys right," Mitchell said. "Playing four quarters. Clay has been known to hang their heads. Getting these guys to play four quarters and believe they can win the game."

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Indiana high school football: Get to know South Bend Clay in 2022