Outlook: Pinconning has had a very tough run the past few seasons, playing nose to nose with the top teams on their schedule but dropping more than their share of heartbreakers.

But with a solid group of seniors returning that give Pinny an edge in experience over most of their 2009 foes, Spartan coach Chip Kleinhans feels a reversal of fortune is in the air.

"We definitely want to improve," Kleinhans says. "We went 3-6 against a horrendous schedule (that included eight playoff teams). The seniors' mantra has been that they want to win six.

"If we can do that, we feel like we can make a pretty good run in the playoffs. If nothing else, we know exactly what it's like to face a playoff team."

Seven senior starters return on the offensive side of the ball, including big running back Lucas Foco, who could also see time at tight end or wideout.

"Lucas can do so many things," Kleinhans says. "He could also play quarterback if push came to shove. At fullback, he can gain three yards just by leaning forward. At wing and wideout, he's a great target (at 6-5). So there's definitely a lot of ways to use him."

Also returning are running back / receiver Tyler Espitia, tight ends David Paulik and Travis Garbulinski and offensive linemen Coty Swinson, Tom Birkett and Chad Pawelski.

"The whole key to our offense will be getting better line play," Kleinhans says. "We have some young kids in there, but they're big."

The wild card on offense is the addition of Casey Pashak at quarterback. Pashak, an all-state shortstop on the state quarterfinal baseball team, hasn't played football since he was a freshman.

"He's a very sharp kid, and he played youth ball for me, so he's familiar with what we do," Kleinhans says. "He's a great athlete, he's got speed; he just needs to adjust to the speed of the varsity game."

Defensively, Pinny brings back Swinson, Pawelski and John Konwinski on the defensive line, Paulik at linebacker, Espitia at cornerback and Foco at strong safety.

"We should be solid on defense," Kleinhans says "The big thing is getting those assignments down so we're not out there confused or having to think about what we're doing. When we're able to just react and play, we do pretty well."

The schedule won't be much easier this season, either. Pinny starts with its usual opener against Essexville Garber, another team with high hopes.

"They're a senior-dominated team, and they were good last year," Kleinhans says. "They get off the ball well. Our young guys will have to grow up in a hurry, because we'll have our hands full."