A-B looks to reload with sophomores Despite losing 10 seniors to graduation, including 1,200-yard rusher Nick Sanchez, the Almond-Bancroft High football team is looking to improve on 1999's 3-6 record. For the Eagles to take a step forward and advance to the WIAA playoffs, a handful of sophomores are going to have to step up. "I set our goals fairly high. After finishing 3-6 and losing 10 seniors, people might think we'll have a rebuilding year," A-B coach Rodney Wedig said. "Last year we set a foundation and we want to build on that. We're going to have to improve quickly. We're going to have to rely on a lot of young kids, a lot of sophomores. I have a lot of confidence in our sophomore class." With Sanchez gone, the Eagles will rely on a quartet of running backs and a potent passing game to put points on the scoreboard. "We'll definitely vary it up. We'll probably have a 50-50 pass-run ratio. The receivers are probably our strong point," Wedig said. A-B will look for its defense to improve from last season, where the unit finished last in the CWC small division. "That's the one area we've harped on. I don't know if it's more technique or being more aggressive," Wedig said. "I told them if we throw the ball, we're not going to be leading in time of possession. That means our defense will be on the field more." In the conference race, Wedig said Wild Rose, Iola-Scandinavia and Rosholt are among the top teams. Port Edwards and Bowler are other teams to look out for, he said. "Wild Rose is loaded this year. I think Iola and Rosholt are going to be at the top of the conference, if they're rebuilding or not. "If our sophomores can gel with senior leadership, we can be up at the top of the conference. "Talent-wise, one-through-40, this is the best we've had. We have kids that are players," Wedig said. Wedig will get the first look at his team in game action Friday at Port Edwards. Here's a look at the Eagles position by position: Quarterback While eight starters are gone from last year's offense, the Eagles have both quarterbacks returning. Senior Chris Leary (37-89, 428 yards, seven touchdowns in six games) is the starter and senior David Danforth (25-59, 416 yards in three games) starts the season as the backup. "I have the luxury of having two quarterbacks who I'm comfortable with. They're almost interchangeable," Wedig said. If one would get hurt, Wedig said he wouldn't hesitate to put the other in. Running backs Seniors Mike Johnson and Josh Warzynski, and sophomores Jacob Warzynski and Chris Lamb will look to fill the void left by Sanchez. Johnson is a converted guard and may share fullback duties with the Warzynski brothers. "That's probably our biggest question mark," Wedig said. "We've kind of gone by committee. We might let them all get a few touches. In the scrimmage, I thought the running backs performed well." Wide receivers While the running back position is still up in the air, the Eagles are set at the receiver spot. Senior Matt Cummings, who was second in the CWC with 31 receptions, 405 yards and five touchdowns, is back along with seniors Pat Hotchkiss (2 catches, 85 yards) and Gavin McIntee (one catch, three yards). "We're going to try and get him the ball," Wedig said of Cummings. "(Our receivers) might be one of our strong points." Newcomer Joe Rendall, a senior, will also catch the football while sophomore Adam Berry will hold the tight end spot. Offensive line A-B's three year starter at left tackle, senior Charlie Warzynski, returns as the anchor of the line. Sophomore Zach Mykisen will be the starting center while junior Dustin Takacs will start at guard. Juniors Scott Rajkowski and Dusty Warzynski, and sophomore Heslyn Menadue will also start on the line. Defensive line On the defensive side, Charlie Warzynski will start at nose guard. Josh Warzynski, Menadue, Rajkowski and Berry will be on the line. "Most of them did not start or play a lot on varsity last year," Wedig said. Linebackers Johnson, Takacs, Jacob Warzynski and Gavin McIntee will play the linebacker spots in A-B's 4-4 alignment. Defensive backs Hotchkiss and Rendall will hold the cornerback spots while Cummings will start at free safety. McIntee will switch between linebacker and strong safety depending on A-B's defensive formations. Special teams Sophomore Joel Erickson will handle the placekicking and punting duties. Cummings will return kicks and punts along with Jacob Warzynski. "I see that as being a strong point," Wedig said.