Coach: Craig Smith, 15th year
Last season: 8-3, 5-2 NLL
Returning letter winners: 10
Returning starters: Offense 3, defense 3
Schemes: Wing-T/50
Top players: Seniors Grant Judson 5-10, 215, OT; Ose Omofoma 6-1, 186, WR/DB; Jordan Connor 6-4, 195, DE. Juniors Sam Bruno 6-1, 185, RB; Blake Alberts, 5-11, 215 LB; Jake Hartbarger, 6-4, 185, K/P.
Outlook: Last season, the Generals qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2003. AW then ran into No. 2-ranked Whitmer and bowed out in the first round.
Smith, who has a career record of 91-49, hopes to lead the Generals to their first NLL championship since 1988. Anthony Wayne finished second in the league last year for the second straight season.
"We feel confident we will have another good football team," Smith said.
Among 65 varsity players are 16 seniors.
Bruno finished fifth in the league in rushing with 634 on 64 carries (9.9 average) to earn All-NLL first team and all-district second team. He scored nine touchdowns and will be featured in AW's traditional, misdirection Wing-T scheme.
Judson, an All-NLL second team performer, leads the way for the running game at tackle.
Alberts earned honorable mention in the league at linebacker. Hartbarger earned all-district and all-league honors as a placekicker.
Smith cites chemistry, team quickness, special teams play, and aggressiveness as strengths.
He is concerned, however, with inexperience on both sides of the ball. He said new starters must learn and develop.
"This team will look to improve every day as all Anthony Wayne football teams do," Smith said. "We will need to develop quickly on both sides of the ball through the preseason to be successful. Our run defense will need to meet the challenges it will face early. Factors will include staying healthy, improving daily, and gaining experience as the season progresses."
2012 ANTHONY WAYNE SCHEDULE
Aug. 24-Columbus Watterson
Aug. 31-Start
Sept. 7-at Otsego
Sept. 14-at Northview
Sept. 21-Perrysburg
Sept. 28-at Bowling Green
Oct. 5-at Napoleon
Oct. 12-Southview
Oct. 19-at Maumee
Oct. 26-Springfield