HUDSON, Ohio The Hudson football team has lost in the state semifinals each of the last three seasons. Leaders on the team said they believe were close to reaching the state final and are motivated to prove it starting Week 1.

Second-year head coach Jeff Gough and the Explorers joined each other for the first time when camps opened Monday across Ohio. Thursday, the coaching staff conducted individual workouts before the teams first scrimmage against Mayfield Aug. 12.

Last year, the Explorers won a share of the Suburban League National Division with Stow. Hudson is seeking its first state title after 10 playoff appearances.

Watch the video above and the preview capsule below to learn more about the Explorers.

HUDSON EXPLORERS

Coach: Jeff Gough (second year, 11-3 career)

OHSAA division, region: Division II, Region 5

Conference: Suburban League National Division

2016 finish: 11-3

Base offense: Multiple

Base defense: Multiple

Returning starters

Andrew Studer, DL/OL, Sr.

Angelo Donatelli, LB, Sr.

Brady Ludewig, DL, Jr.

Colin Paltani, WR/DB/PR, Sr.

Colt Pallay, QB, Sr.

Dawson Wervey, RB, Sr.

Dean Palumbo, LS/TE/LB, Jr.

Grant Gonya, K, Sr.

Greg Mailey, WR, Sr.

Jack Nord, OL, Sr.

Kevin Callahan, RB, Sr.

Matt Rudy, DL, Sr.

Nathan Slater, OL, Jr.

Pat Burdett, TE, Sr.

Stephen Bianconi, DB, Sr.

2017 schedule

Aug. 25 at Austintown-Fitch

Sept. 1 vs. Strongsville

Sept. 8 at Canton McKinley

Sept. 15 vs. Brecksville*

Sept. 22 vs. Nordonia*

Sept. 29 at North Royalton*

Oct. 6 vs. Cuyahoga Falls*

Oct. 13 at Stow*

Oct. 20 at Twinsburg*

Oct. 27 vs. Wadsworth*

*Denotes SL game.

Contact sports reporter Nathaniel Cline on Twitter (@nathanielcline) or email (ncline@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

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Hudson football carries playoff loss as motivation: 2017 football camp visit - cleveland.com