Utica High

League: MAC White

Last season: 3-6

Offense

Key players: Senior offensive linemen Martin Vulaj and Dan Ori.

There are plenty of pieces that need to fit in different places for the Chieftains’ new spread offense, but at least coach Tony Smith doesn’t have to worry about his offensive line.

“Both of them are coming back as starters, so they have to lead,” Smith said of Ori and Vulaj.

With talented receivers like seniors Adam Lukow, Kyle Kelly and Andy Orr, and sophomore Ben Orr in the system, it should prove to be exciting.

“We have all these skill kids, and we kept trying to pencil them in as linemen,” Smith said of the change from the wing-T.

“We went with something more modern and something the kids are interested in.”

Senior Jason Bryan and sophomore Connor Hinebaugh will share time under center, with senior Steve Tate returning to his spot at running back.

           
Defense

Key player: Senior defensive linemen Martin Vulaj and Dan Ori.

Vulaj and Ori bring the same mix of size and experience to the defensive line that makes them so valuable on offense.

“We’re not the biggest team in the world,” Smith said of his defense. “We feel good about them, though. They may not be big, but this team will fight you right to the end.”

Special teams

Key player: Bobby Adkins, senior, kicker/punter.

Adkins is the only part of the Chieftains’ offense that remains the same from last season.

The only thing Smith hopes changes about his veteran is that he’ll be kicking more extra points and fewer punts.

“He’s a soccer kid, and I just hope we don’t overload him,” Smith said. “He’s three-for-three in field goals over 40 yards. He’s one of those kids who’s real confident.”

Coach’s outlook

With more than 130 plays in the new offense, compared to the 40 in the old one, the switch gave Utica’s players and coaches plenty to think about in the offseason.

Smith believes that it was worth it given how much the spread suits his current crop of talent and in the excitement it has created.

“Our offensive coaching staff spent 31 hours in meetings in Houston on Super Bowl weekend,” Smith said. “It was the first Super Bowl I ever remember missing.

“Our quarterbacks have been in quarterback school since February, and our receivers have all been going to catch class. We’re working like crazy teaching them.”

Utica Eisenhower

League: MAC Red

Last season: 6-4, lost in Division 1 pre-district

Offense

Key player: Taylor Copacia, senior, quarterback.

Of the more than 30 seniors back from coach Bob Lantzy’s 2007 squad, none are more valuable than Copacia, the team’s veteran signal caller.

“Taylor Copacia is the key,” Lantzy said. “The quarterback is always the No. 1 man, and we’ve got a great one in Taylor. As great a passer as he is, and he’s the greatest, his No. 1 quality is still the leadership.”

Copacia will have a talented veteran crew around him in senior wideouts Kirk Dandurand and Brett Kauten.

One piece of the puzzle the Eagles will miss is senior running back Mike Farr, who could miss significant time because of a preseason injury.

“He may be back,” Lantzy said of Farr. “We thought it was the season, but he may be back. He was the tough guy of our offense and defense last year. He’s irreplaceable. Not because of his stats, but his toughness.”

Defense

Key player: Jake Howell, senior, cornerback.

Most cornerbacks play wide receiver on the offensive side of the ball, but Howell’s brand of physical play and his 6-foot-2-inch frame are better suited to a more blue-collar position, like fullback.

“Jake Howell is the leader of the defense,” Lantzy said. “He’s playing with real passion on offense as a fullback.”

Along with Howell, the Eagles feature veterans like junior Joe Wirth (6-5, 220 pounds) at linebacker, senior Rob Venditti at defensive end and senior Brian Klozik at cornerback.

“Joe Wirth had 16 tackles for a loss last year,” Lantzy said. “I didn’t know that until I looked at the statistics. He’s got a big man’s body but a small man’s ability to move quick.”

Special teams

Key player: Jeff Roegner, senior, punter/kicker.

Roegner has been fighting some preseason injuries, but his experience and ability to serve as punter and kicker makes him invaluable to the Eagles.

“He’s does everything,” Lantzy said of his kicker. “He’s had some injuries, and we’re hurting until he gets better.”

Coach’s outlook

With so many veterans returning from a 2007 team that was one special teams play away from beating Macomb Dakota and winning the MAC Red a year ago, expectations in Eagles camp haven’t been this high since their last trip to the Division 1 state finals.

“Whenever you have a winner, you don’t have to say much,” Lantzy said. “Practice does its job. They’re ready and they practice with a different mentality, and that’s the experience. We haven’t had this much experience since 2003.”