Eastpointe East Detroit

League: MAC Gold

Last season: 0-9

Offense

Key player: Joe McLaren, junior, quarterback.

Considering the fact that the Shamrocks’ offensive coordinator left the team during the first week of practice, the offense may take some time to get in gear.

But when asked to assess his offensive group, first-year head coach Dennis Pascoe said he feels it will score some points.

“We’re going to have to learn quickly,” he said. “But we have some talented guys who will put some points on the board.”

McLaren, who had a solid year on the junior varsity in 2007, takes over the starting duties under center.

Defense

Key player: Kevin Smith, senior, linebacker.

Given the situation on offense, Pascoe wasted little time saying how essential his defensive unit will be, especially early in the season.

“The defense is going to have to carry us while the offense gets things put together,” Pascoe said. “It’s a hard-nosed group that won’t back down.”

The same can be said for Smith, whom Pascoe called his top defensive player.

“He’s a real hard-working kid who has a nose for the ball,” the coach added.

Special teams

Key player: To be determined

While he couldn’t name a key player just yet, Pascoe knows if his special teams play as a group, there will be plenty of success in that department.

“We haven’t worked too much on special teams just yet, that’s the main reason I’m not sure who will be our main guy,” Pascoe said. “But we have some athletes over there who can and will make a difference.”

Coach’s outlook

Pascoe wasn’t around to see the winless season in 2007, but many of his players were. Like them, he knows how important an early season win would be. At the same time, win or lose, the main goal is to stay unified.

“We have to stay together, stay positive and find ways to keep working hard and doing things the right way,” Pascoe said. “We’ve come together pretty well so far.”

The Shamrocks open the season at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Port Huron High.

Roseville High

League: MAC Blue

Last season: 2-7

Offense

Key player: Brett Makowski, senior, quarterback.

Makowski returns under center after earning MAC Blue All-Conference honors as a junior. He committed to improving his physical abilities in the offseason in an effort to put them on par with his football know-how.

“He’s ready to go, and he’s the best quarterback I’ve had on my team,” coach Melvin Richendollar said. “He spreads the field and opens running lanes.  He makes it very difficult on defense.”

Defense  

Key player: Nathan Hammer, junior, cornerback.

With only four players returning from the Panthers’ 2007 defense, holdovers like Hammer will be invaluable as Richendollar watches a young squad grow together.

“He’s a playmaker,” Richendollar said. “He was our second-leading tackler at the cornerback position and had five interceptions last year.”

Special teams

Key player: Brett Makowski, senior, punter.

On the occasion one of his offensive drives don’t reach the end zone or field goal range, Makowski will also be handling the punting duties for the second straight season.

Coach’s outlook

While the defense may be young, Richendollar returns a total of eight players to the offense.

He’s hopeful that unit can lead Roseville to an improvement over last year’s 2-7 finish. The Panthers open the season at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at home against Warren Woods Tower.

“We hope to improve on last year’s performance, and we do have some high expectations,” Richendollar said. “The biggest goal is getting prepared for Warren Woods Tower.”