Life wasn’t always this easy for Sean Guerriero and the Springfield Tigers.

Guerriero was just 27 years old in 2007 when he was hired to take over the Springfield High School football program. That first year, he was greeted by 35 players and struggled through a 2-8 season. After four years, Guerriero’s teams were 15-25.

Then, something clicked.

“A lot of times, coaches are always chasing down kids, trying to get them to do reps, put time in the weight room, watch film,” Guerriero said. “In 2011, we had a group that just bought in to what we were trying to do. They wanted to work. They wanted to learn. They wanted to go that extra mile.

“Those kids were coming to us, they were looking to put in the extra time and effort. They wanted to turn this thing around.”

Springfield finished the 2011 regular season with an 8-2 record and advanced to the playoffs. Though the Tigers lost a first-round game at Garaway, Guerriero believes that season set the tone for things to come.

“That was a really good group of players who understood what it takes to get to that next level,” Guerriero said. “More importantly, they wanted to work hard to get there. The underclassmen picked up on those work habits, and it’s been kind of a chain reaction ever since.

“We’ve been a pretty solid program since that 2011 season.”

In fact, since 2011 Springfield owns a 69-29 record with four playoff appearances.

On Friday, the Tigers (14-0) play Anna (13-1) in the Division VI state title game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. Kickoff is slated for 10 a.m.

Springfield has now won 19 consecutive games dating back to Sept. 28, 2018. It’s the second-longest current winning streak in the state behind Kirtland’s 29 straight wins.

“This doesn’t happen without complete dedication from the players and total support from our school administrators,” Guerriero said. “I’m very fortunate in that I have a great working relationship with our athletic director, principal and superintendent. Everyone involved with our school system supports our program and supports what we are trying to provide these kids, on and off the field.”

Guerriero is also very quick to credit his coaching staff, which includes Adam Slopek (defensive coordinator, linebackers, offensive line), Mark Brungard (offensive coordinator, quarterbacks, defensive ends), Joe Antonucci (defensive tackles, offensive line), Bill Miller (secondary, wide receivers), Ian Grdina (wide receivers, secondary), J.T. Lavender (tight ends, linebackers) and Kyle McCree (offensive line, defensive line).

“As a young coach, you sometimes want to do too much and you think you have all the answers,” Guerriero said. “Looking back, I quickly learned that you need a great support staff in order to succeed. Coach (Jim) Tressel always used to say that if you surround yourself with good people, good things happen.

“I have an incredibly talented and knowledgeable staff. Guys who have experience in big games both as players and coaches. These guys are dedicated and loyal. They make me look a lot smarter than I looked 10 years ago.”

An increase in wins has also resulted in an increase in numbers for the program. While many area schools in recent years have seen a drastic decrease in roster size, Springfield has experienced just the opposite. What was a 35-man roster when Guerriero arrived at the school 13 years ago is now at 55.

“It’s nice to see that kids are buying into what we are trying to accomplish,” Guerriero said. “We want to give our players as much playing time as possible. It helps build depth, it provides experience. Last year we were able to play 16 freshmen and junior varsity games, and that helps the future of the entire program.”

As for the present, Guerriero, his staff and players are focused on trying to bring home the school’s first state title in any team sport. To do so, the Tigers will have to defeat an Anna team that was ranked Ohio’s top Division VI program by the Associated Press.

Anna is looking to become the eighth member of the Midwest Athletic Conference to win a state title.

Anna’s offense is led by the one-two punch of running back Riley Huelskamp (2,505 rushing yards) and quarterback Bart Bixler (1,516 rushing yards, 1,080 passing yards). As a team, the Rockets have amassed over 4,000 rushing yards through 14 weeks.

“By far, this will be the best backfield we’ve faced all year long in terms of a one-two punch” Guerriero said. “You can’t key on either one of those two players (Huelskapm, Bixler) because they are both equally explosive.”

Defensively, Guerriero said Anna “will live and die with the blitz,” while playing an extremely aggressive but disciplined style of football.

“Like any MAC school, they are going to be extremely well-coached and ready for anything,” Guerriero said. “You play in that conference, and it’s like the playoffs every week. By Week 14 they’ve been through it all.”

The Springfield players and coaches will spend tonight in Canton, then arrive at the stadium at roughly 8 a.m., Friday to begin preparing for the early-morning kickoff. Guerriero doesn’t believe the unusual starting time will have an impact on the game.

“I know these players are going to wake up Friday with big smiles,” Guerriero said. “The bigger issue will be trying to get them to sleep Thursday night. They are going to be wired up.

“They’ll be ready. We’ve been stressing the importance of taking it all in and enjoying the moment. They’ve been the ones who want to get back to work. They want to see this through.”