ESTERO — New coach? Check.

New uniforms and logo? Lookin’ good.

New sod? Got that, too.

New results? Well, that’s to be determined.

When Estero hits the field for Friday night’s season opener against visiting South Fort Myers, the Wildcats might be better looking than a year ago, but will they be better?

"Of course it’s going to be impossible to take an 0-10 team and bring them to the state championship," said senior Grady Hartt, a third-year left tackle/linebacker, "but we’re going to be an improved team from last season."

No one is expecting a trip to the state final -- something the Wildcats generated 10 years ago -- but some glimmer of hope would be welcomed for an ailing program that endured a winless season last year and was outscored a numbing 452 to 54.

The woes extend well beyond last season. Estero is 4-36 over the past four years, has not won a game on the road since opening night in 2005, and will take a 12-game losing streak into this season.

The negative vibes from such a lengthy struggle on the field extend off it, too.

"It’s hard playing for a team where even your own schoolmates don’t take you seriously," said Hartt, "but we kind of have our own family in the football team and that’s what keeps us together and keeps us going."

The new sheriff responsible for restoring respectability is Rich Dombroski, a 38-year-old former St. Thomas Aquinas High lineman who most recently righted a struggling prep squad in North Carolina. Dombroski, who takes over following the three-year reign of Brian Jones, realizes there is no overnight cure for the Wildcats, but he likes the steps that the team has taken in the eight months he’s been head coach.

"We’re not the biggest team, but we’ve got a lot of heart," said Dombroski. "The kids are starting to take pride in Estero football. I’m excited about that. That’s the first step in turning this program around."

Resurrecting interest within the hallways is one of Dombroski’s tasks, too. The no-nonsense coach appears to be on the right track in terms of personnel. The program has about 80 players, including 30 freshmen. One year after it folded due to lack of bodies, the junior varsity team is back.

The newness factor just might be what the doctor ordered in regard to rejuvenating a following in the stands.

"I think now we’re going to have more people coming to watch us play rather than just socializing," said junior quarterback/safety Will Davis.

Wildcats fans didn't have too much to cheer about last season. Estero was blanked five times.

Dombroski has installed a spread offense, which will be led by a first-year QB.

"It’s pretty much whatever you give us, we’re going to take," said Davis, who opted to return to football after sitting out last season.

"He’s young and he doesn’t have the experience," Hartt said about his QB, "but he’s definitely got talent. I think through the season as he gains experience, he’ll get better and I think he’ll have a good season. He’s definitely got a good future ahead of him."

Behind Davis will be hard-working senior running backs Josiah Arizmendi and Mark Celotto. The receiver corps -- led by returning starter John Pencil -- has loads of inexperience.

Some key senior returnees elsewhere include linemen Hartt, Chris Harchar, Craig Henry, Mike Perez and Abe Mendiola and linebacker Adam Harris.

Junior Blaine Moriarty is handling kicking duties.

The team suffered its first major blow last week when three starters quit.

This won't necessarily be a season gauged on wins and losses. No one will be surprised if the latter pile up once again. It's just a matter of how much of a chunk of that pile Estero can eliminate.

"As long as we get one win, I’d be happy," said Davis. "It’s a rebuilding season."