Utica Stevenson

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Macomb Area Conference Red Division
Last season: 10-2
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Warren Cousino

Offense

Key player: Jason Fracassa, senior, quarterback

Fracassa gives coach Rick Bye something he’s never had in his tenure with the Titans — a four-year starter under center.

“He looks like a four-year starter,” Bye said. “We knew he would progress this way. He knows exactly what were doing in this offense and what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Fracassa returns after tossing 34 touchdown passes and throwing for 3,357 yards in 2008. Fellow returning skill players Justice Wright (running back), D. J. Mershman (receiver) and Marcus Beaurem (receiver) totaled 37 touchdowns in 2008.

Marquee matchup: Fracassa faces Macomb Dakota, which shut out Stevenson 10-0 in the 2008 regular season, at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at home.

Defense

Key player: Charlie Walker, senior, linebacker

While most of the attention from fans falls on the Titans’ high-octane offense, defensive stars such as Walker, senior defensive back David Brown, and senior linemen Corey Stone and Carl Davis make the defense very formidable.

“They’re getting attention from us,” Bye said of his defenders. “It’s important that we not get behind and get a good start.”

Walker had 92 tackles, two interceptions and five sacks as a junior, and Brown had one interception.

According to Rivals.com, a college football recruiting database, the 6-foot-5-inch, 300-pound Davis has received scholarship offers from numerous colleges, including Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Kansas.

Special teams

Key player: David Brown, senior, kicker

After splitting time as kicker with the graduated Ryan Mattingly last year, Brown will handle all of the Titans’ kickoffs, field goals and extra points.

“He’s got good experience and a good leg,” Bye said. “He’s worked to improve his leg strength and range.”

Coach’s outlook

The Titans were one play from playing for a Division 1 state title last year, but Lake Orion High beat them on a last-second field goal. Bye said that’s all the motivation his team needs to make another run deep into the 2009 postseason.

“This team has a number of reasons to maintain their confidence and focus,” Bye said. “They got beat by a 49-yard field goal, and that stayed with these guys. They talk about it all the time.”