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BOYD BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS
Head coach: Gary Rankin (first year here; 467-78 overall)
Returning starters: 5 offensive; 6 defensive
Last year's record: 4-6 overall, lost in Division II-AA first round
Key players: Jaylon Sanderfer (6-1, 210) Jr. RB/LB, Matt Stone (5-11, 195) Sr. RB/LB, Thad Ballinger (6-0, 235) Sr. OL/DL, Ty Barns (6-1, 225) Sr. OL/DL, Lucas Highfield Jr. (6-1, 240) Jr. OL/DL, Jayden Madison (6-1, 175) Sr. WR/DB, Kenny Bell (6-0, 195) Sr. FB/LB
Season outlook: In perhaps the biggest offseason power move across the state, the Buccaneers hired Tennessee's all-time wins leader in prep football - he's the only one on the list with more than 400 victories - and a man who has guided two programs to a TSSAA-record 17 state championships in all.
Rankin's first order of business for the Bucs is to "get better pretty quick" on defense after they allowed 32 points per game last year, giving up 40-plus four times.
"We won't be as pass-happy as they were last year, so hopefully that will cut down on the number of snaps the defense has to be out there," he said. "We've got some good receivers, and we'll be able to throw it, but we're looking to be more of a run-first-type offense, which will help the defense, too.
"It's already been a pretty big overhaul as far as the change from what they did on both sides of the ball last year. I like to be precise in everything we do. I want things executed on time."
The return of Sanderfer provides the Bucs a cornerstone for both the offense and the defense after he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and led the team in tackles for loss last season. Stone, a three-year starter, gives the offense another physical runner.
Bell was not eligible to play last season but is expected to be another two-way contributor. The backs should be helped by four linemen - all with good size - returning as either starters or with plenty of experience.
"We're pretty deep in the skill positions," Rankin said. "We just need to stay healthy up front and develop some depth behind those starters. You know the stars, the great players, will take care of themselves, so finding some younger kids you can count on is always a key."