WOODBERRY FOREST, Va. (CBS19 SPORTS) -- Things have gotten off to a much faster start in year two for Jackson Matteo at Woodberry Forest.

"Last year we were really harping on our warmup," Matteo said, "We didn't really get to practice for the first couple days because we were just doing our warmup to get it exactly tuned in."

The Tigers finished 7-3 in Matteo's first go-round as head coach, the program's most wins since 2016, setting a firm foundation.

"Guys just bond, they bond together," senior offensive tackle Emile Beaulieu said, "The culture, we're trying to change a lot of things and the guys are just going full in and making the most out of practice."

"Just having more people to bring along the culture, keep everything going," junior safety Sheldon Robinson said, "We just trust each other, trust the coach and have trust in him and execute it on the field."

Woodberry brings in a talented group of reinforcements with former Covenant quarterback Mark Wamhoff and two of the top player's in the country out of Louisa County in Dyzier Carter and Savion Hiter.

"I feel like we're going to have a great season. It's going to be such a different environment around here and I think we're going to bring good to the team," Hiter said, "I should strive for better than I did last year and more offers to come."

The new additions have only added to the competition level in practice with a long list of returners back for the Tigers as well.

"They bring a lot, obviously these guys are talented, so I think immediately in the weight room and on the field they raise the level of competition and raise the level of intensity," Matteo said, "I think that it's good to get some people who might have been comfortable in their position to get a little uncomfortable."

"Feel like we did great last year, but feel like we can do even better this year with the people we have Savion Hiter coming in, Dyzier Carter, Mark Wamhoff," Robinson said, "I love competing with them, it's making me better, making them better."

With new faces settling into the new culture, the goals remain the same for Woodberry Forest.

"Our goals are to beat EHS and win the Prep League," Matteo said, "So I think all of our goals are right in front of us literally and figuratively."

"Basically showing to the Prep League who we are and our worth," Beaulieu said, "Making sure that we're not just Woodberry, but we are the Tigers."