Outlook: It used to be that low turnout was a problem for the Hale football program. But these days, with other area teams seeing a drop in the number of players coming out for football, the Eagles' numbers are on the upswing for the second straight season.  With 21 on the varsity roster, Hale has nearly as many players as much-larger Tawas.

"We're pretty excited," says Hale coach Bill Lake. "Our non-league schedule is tough, and just got tougher (by adding Dryden to replace Posen on the schedule). But I think our team overall, even though we lost some quality kids, could be better than last year."

Eight seniors return, including most of the offensive backfield. Running backs Eddy Cadwell, Evan Caverly and Christian Moody all are back, along with tight end Christian Mudry and linemen John Hamilton, Devin Smith, Ben Stoll and Tyler Braun.

One thing Lake didn't see coming was his new quarterback: Tanner Shellenbarger, who hasn't played football since ninth grade, turned out and won the job.

"He's got major speed, he can throw the ball well and the kids respect him from what he's accomplished in baseball and basketball," Lake says. "You don't graduate a kid like Drew Compau and not have questions about your quarterback, but Tanner has a ton of potential."

On the defensive side, the graduation of Cody Stoll -- "probably the best linebacker I've coached," Lake says -- leaves a big hole. But again, Lake feels that with the number of experienced hands returning, the team's overall defense may actually improve.

"Guys like Cadwell, Brenden O'Dell and Kevin Rehil have all looked good at linebacker. We have some inexperience at corner, but I think our line looks pretty strong.

"We're really looking forward to getting going with the season."