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BOYD BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS
Head coach: Jeremy Bosken (11-9 here; 37-24 overall)
Returning starters: 6 offensive; 6 defensive
Last year’s record: 3-6, lost in Division II-AA first round
Key players: Caden Johnson (5-10, 155) Jr. WR/DB, Karson Gay (6-7, 235) Sr. TE, Matthew Stone (5-10, 185) Jr. RB/LB, David Dixon (5-10, 245) Sr. RB/DL, Brody Grant (6-2, 230) Sr. OL, Jabari Johnson (5-11, 275) Sr. OL, Colbe Haddox (6-4, 280) Sr. OL/DL
Season outlook: Two years removed from an eight-win season, the Buccaneers hope to regain their firepower.
Their offense returns five linemen with playing experience, and that group will lead the way for Dixon and Stone to wear defenses down. Replacing star quarterback Eli Morris will be a challenge, and seniors Malachi Powell and Mason Ratchford and freshman Houston Hicks were in a three-way battle for the position entering camp.
A talented group of receivers includes speedy playmakers such as senior Carter Wamack and juniors Brohns Donaldson and Johnson, who also will play in the defensive backfield. Gay, who has committed to Virginia, is poised for a big season as a strong blocker who also has the ability to pick apart defenses as a receiver.
Boyd Buchanan has the talent around the field for a successful season, but the Bucs must put all phases of the game together after underperforming during an adversity-filled 2020 campaign. Having a dozen starters back and some new faces who are expected to make an immediate impact will certainly help.
“We have had a great offseason and a phenomenal team camp,” Bosken said. “We expect a lot out of our offensive and defensive lines. We have a lot of experience and leadership in the trenches.”