EAST RIDGE PIONEERS
Head coach: Tim James (61-41 in nine years here; 85-87 overall)
Returning starters: 5 offensive, 7 defensive
Key players: OL/DL Joey Boles (6-1, 280), RB/LB Jaylin Boykin (6-0, 205), OL/DL Aubry Fourte (6-0, 250), WR/LB Tra Jett (6-0, 195), QB/DB Alonzo Russell (6-2, 200).
Team strengths: There is good speed, particularly in the backfield, and enough versatility to move some of those skill-position guys around wherever needed.
"I like our backfield," James said. "As far as on our schedule, I know Brainerd and Howard have good team speed, but overall we're above average against just about everybody. We're pretty quick, except for up front."
Team concerns: Inexperience up front on both sides of the ball. All five starters from last year's offensive line are gone, and three of the four starters on the defensive line have to be replaced as well.
"We're in a cycle right now where we just don't have many big bodies," James said. "We've got some older guys up front, but they're not real big and they just haven't played much on Friday nights."
Newcomer to watch: Jaylin Boykin will take over as the starting running back, and the junior has shown plenty of potential there and at middle linebacker.
"He's got good vision, and even with his size he's more of a glider as far as his running style," James said. "He may wind up being just as valuable to us on defense. He's just got a lot of ability."
Season outlook: East Ridge has the smallest enrollment in the state for Class 4A, and the lack of depth compared with other teams in the region is again a concern.
The Pioneers graduated 18 seniors, many of whom started or played significant minutes last season.
"We have some starters back, but overall this is as inexperienced a team as I've had in a long time," James said. "There are several positions where the kids behind the starters haven't seen much varsity action. But they'll have to this season."
Russell is competing with three teammates for the starting quarterback job, but whether he wins that or not, he will be counted on heavily on both sides of the ball. He could also play some at receiver or running back as well as in the defensive secondary and is drawing interest from college recruiters.
"He was our backup quarterback last year," James added. "He got three starts and did a good job. Anytime he has the ball in his hands, he's tough to bring down because he's so quick and elusive. Plus he's a big body to bring down.
"We need the less experienced kids to step up. If we were still in 3A, I wouldn't be as concerned, but we learned last year that in 4A that depth can make a significant difference."