Outlook: The Cardinals graduated plenty of talent, but W-P coach Kevin Frederick believes that after a few growing pains his team should be rolling by the end of the season.

"I'm optimistic," he says. "I think we have great kids. I'm pretty confident that we'll get better as we go."

Six starters return on the offensive side of the ball. And while there are big shoes to fill after the graduation of players like Austin Swanson, Matt Ackerman and Billy Raushi, the offensive line returns nearly intact. Brandon Hall, Chris Powell, Tommy Miracle and Stanley Matuszak all return and showed during W-P's tough scrimmages with Petoskey, Gladwin and Pinconning that they're more than capable of holding their own.

Running back Chris Downes, who seemed to make big plays every time he touched the ball in his limited chances last season, and Dylan DeBoever are the other returning starters.

DeBoever played wide receiver last season and takes over as the starting quarterback.

"Dylan does a very good job of running the offense," Frederick says. "As a receiver last year he knows exactly what we need.

"We expect big things from Chris, too. Last year was the seniors' chance to shine, but he always made the best of his chances."

A number of newcomers figure to help, including sophomore speedster Cody Foreman, who Frederick hopes will enable the offense to "stretch the field vertically.

"We had that last year with Ackerman and Raushi; Cody should be able to do that, and it's nice that he's a sophomore that we'll have out there for a few years."

The Cards may take a little more time to come together on the defensive side as Miracle and Downes (both linebackers) and defensive lineman Ryan Zanon are the only returning starters.

"We have a lot of guys who moved up from JV there," Frederick says. "Our entire secondary is gone. We have a few first-year seniors in there too. It might take a game or two before we can put it all together."

One thing working in the Cards' favor this year is an increase in numbers, up to 25 on varsity from just 18 last season.

"That'll play a big role as the season goes on," Frederick says. "We won't have have to have all our kids playing offense, defense and special teams. I think we're more athletic as a team this year, too, so when you put those things together, I'm looking forward to a good season."