Last year, Ellwood City was shut out in six games and outscored 429-27. The Wolverines went 0-8 in the WPIAL Class AA Midwestern Athletic Conference.

“I’ve been in this type of situation before,” Phillips said. “Each time I went to a new school, the programs were down.

“We don’t have a time frame for certain things, but we’re looking to get better, learn and grown.”

Ellwood’s last winning season came in 2000, when the Wolverines went 7-3 and won the Parkway Conference.

“The one thing I’ve known about Ellwood City is that the area traditionally has tough kids and aggressive kids who play hard,” Phillips said. “But when you have tough kids who are willing to work hard it makes your job a lot easier. I think these kids want to work and turn this thing around.”

Considering the WPIAL’s recent realignment in football, Phillips will have quite the challenge this season. Playing in Section 3-AA, the Midwestern Athletic Conference, Ellwood City will face Aliquippa, Beaver, Beaver Falls, Center, Freedom, Mohawk, New Brighton and Riverside.

“Every game is a section game but one,” Phillips said. “What they did was cross (the Midwestern) with the Parkway and that’s always a meat grinder. Each week is going to get a little more (tough).

“When you’re playing really good teams each week, you get a chance to see how you match up and how you compete. That part excites me.”