NORTH MURRAY MOUNTAINEERS
Head coach: Preston Poag (15-8 in three seasons here; 39-28 overall)
Returning starters: 8 offensive, 9 defensive
Key players: LB/TE Chaisen Buckner (6-2, 220), OL/DL Luke Griffin (6-6, 298), WR/DB Ladd McConkey (6-0, 165), QB Preston Poag Jr. (6-4, 192), RB/DB Dante Tidwell (5-11, 163).
Team strengths: Much of the experience from two consecutive playoff seasons returns, including their dynamic quarterback and a healthy Griffin to anchor both lines. As Coach Poag noted, the team overall is stronger and faster than either of his first two squads at North Murray.
Team concerns: The secondary is thin, a major concern in a region noted for its passing prowess. Also, the Mountaineers must find both a place-kicker and a punter.
Newcomers to watch: Replacing record-setting receiver Conner Rice will be a chore, but a receiving rotation that will feature McConkey, Landon Burrell, Will Campbell and Logan Viars will provide ample size and speed.
Season outlook: For likely the first time in program history, there is pressure on the Mountaineers.
Gone is the label of up-and-coming team after back-to-back Region 6-AAA runner-up finishes and consecutive playoff appearances. As Griffin noted during the summer, the team is well aware that its time is now.
"This is the year we've been waiting on," said Griffin, a Southeastern Conference prospect. "We can be spectacular on offense, but we can't harp on what we could be. We've got the guys to get it done. There's a lot of excitement around here this summer."
Senior quarterback Poag has added size and strength without losing any speed. He passed and rushed for a combined 2,800 yards and 29 touchdowns a year ago under the tutelage of his father and head coach.
"Preston has put on bulk, and he's a 4.6 guy (in the 40-yard dash) now," Coach Poag said. "He can make all the throws, and the thing about him is he expects perfection. With all we have back on offense, it's going to be a lot of fun with these guys."
Also back is electric running back Tidwell, who became a starter midway through his freshman season and rushed for 761 yards and 11 touchdowns, including back-to-back games of 200 and 190 yards.
The defense returns nine starters, many who were sophomores a year ago, including Buckner.
"We've got a lot of experience back on defense," Coach Poag said. "We have some concerns with the back end, but with our size we can put more linebacker types on the field and get more pressure on the quarterback."