Signal Mountain's Rod Hutcherson (9) celebrates a stop against Brainerd at Signal Mountain Middle/High School on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 in Signal Mountain, Tenn.Head coach: Josh Roberts (10-12 in two seasons here and overall)
Returning starters: 5 offensive; 3 defensive
Key players: TE-OLB Rod Hutcherson (6-5, 210); RB-S Terrance Russell (5-9, 175); RB-LB Campbell Garner (6-0, 190); OL-DT Mason Hilke (6-5, 245); RB-LB Beck Dudley (6-1, 220); OL-DT Nate Menzel (6-3, 240); OL-DT Pearson Lindsay (6-0, 250); RB-LB Tyler Pawson (6-0, 195).
Team strengths: Through the offseason the Eagles ran countless 110s and hit the weightroom hard in order to be the most conditioned team on the field.
"Our guys have made a real commitment to being more physical. Our key word is 'relentless,'" Roberts said. "We are going to stay after you nonstop. Our guys are very hard-working and disciplined. We will be tough to handle because our guys get after it and are very cohesive."
Team concerns: A standout receiving corps that was led by Malone Howley and Travion Williams is gone. Senior quarterback Jack Wilson (6-4, 185) threw for more than 300 yards in one of his few starts last year.
A defense that held region opponents to a mere eight points per game last season has had to replace nine starters.
Breakout candidate: Already one of the toughest assignments to block on any given night, Hutcherson is more than just a standout pass-rusher and run-stopper. The Ivy league recruit could be one of the top pass catchers on the team with his speed and size at tight end.
Season outlook: Just a play or two from being the region champion last year, Signal Mountain has worked hard to be in the best shape to finish the fight.
"We made a commitment to being the most conditioned team on the field, because a lot of games are won in the third and fourth quarter," Roberts said. "When our senior leaders step up and do their job, everyone else will follow suit."
This group should carry some momentum into the season after winning six of its last seven games after an 0-4 start last season.
"We are trying to raise the standard each year," Roberts said. "We have to be the best version of ourselves. Nothing more than that."