Head coach: Al Rogers (46-40 in eight years here)
Returning starters: 7 offensive; 6 defensive
Key players: QB-DB Wade Jewell (6-2, 175); TE-DL Jordan Sanders (6-4, 215); K Reed Weller (5-9, 160); OL-DL Dakari White (5-11, 260); OL-LB Ben Bambry (6-1, 210); RB-DB Connor Delashmitt (5-11, 175); WR-DB Cameron Mullins (6-2, 160); TE-DL Colton Rice (6-5, 210).
Team strengths: Despite just four seniors, experience is still a plus for a team that started plenty of underclassmen last season. Go-to playmakers on offense are back along with one of the top tight end groups in town. A talented freshman class of 19 on a roster of 44 is the largest in program history.
Team concerns: Outside of a few powerhouses around the state, depth is a worry for many. Silverdale started several freshmen last season, and another first-year player, quarterback/defensive back Turner Junkins, could make an impact early in his prep career.
Breakout candidate: Delashmitt started in the backfield as a freshman and competed right out of the gate. Following strong blocks from White, Bambry and their line mates will be key to a breakout second year for him.
"Connor has great vision, runs hard and is also a tough defender in our secondary," Rogers said. "He is young still, but his experience should help him a lot. Jordan also has great athletic ability and can also be a game changer."
Season outlook: The Seahawks advanced to their first Division II-AA playoffs last season and will try to take another step forward after going from zero region wins to two last season.
"Considering we are the next-to-smallest school in this division statewide, making the playoffs was a pretty big boost for us," Rogers said. "However, there were a couple of games we should have done better in. I think our experience will help us."
Controlling game clock in the wing-T offense will be key along with executing in the red zone. With another year of experience, a greater understanding of the playbook could bring more success.
A nonregion rivalry game against Grace Academy is sure to bring plenty of fire after Silverdale has lost the past two meetings after winning five in a row before that.