Athens Drive graduated 4,000-yard passer Nick DeMuro, but Coach Jeff Smouse's pass-oriented attack still should move the ball.
Senior Ross Snotherly, a 6-4, 245-pound senior, threw 54 touchdown passes in two seasons with the Jaguars' junior varsity.
"He can throw it," Smouse said. "We also are working on him to be very physical back there."
The primary receiver may be Phillip Barren, who had 1,070 receiving yards in 2007.
Offensive lineman Ross Honeycutt (6-5, 265 pounds) is getting some college recruiting attention and Steve Kotnick (5-11, 245) is a four-year starter in the offensive line.
The strength of the defense should be linebackers Bryan Houston (5-11, 218), who led the team in tackles last year; Jack Pierce (6-3, 220), and Will Smith (6-2, 195), a three-year starter.
Blake Orton is returning in the defensive line.
Athens opens its season on Friday, Aug. 22 against West Johnston. Last year, Athens beat West Johnston 37-31 after trailing 24-8 in the third period.
