The Erie Red Devils are just two days away from opening their first-ever 8-man football season against Cair Paravel at 7 p.m. Friday, with head coach David Pitts preparing for a new challenge.

 

It’s been a unique offseason for Pitts, who has never coached 8-man football before, with all of his previous experience coming in the 11-man game.

 

Over the past two seasons, Pitts has relied on plenty of young players to step into meaningful roles, and he says that experience has given the Red Devils confidence heading into a new season.
 

Eight-man football is typically faster-paced and higher-scoring than 11-man, forcing Pitts to make some adjustments after most of his coaching career as a defensive coordinator. Pitts says he’ll look to use the speed of his defense to combat opposing offenses.
 

The Red Devils will hit the road for their season opener Friday night against the Lions, looking for their first opening-night win since 2021.