Coach: Tyson Harder, third year
Last season: 4-6, 3-2 CL
Returning letter winners: 18
Returning starters: Offense 5, defense 5
Schemes: Spread/4-3
Top players: Seniors Martice Ross, 6-1, 290, OL; Tyler McClorine, 6-7, 290, OL; Arthur Phillips, 6-3, 200, DL; Will Goodbar, 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Matt Mangum, 5-11, 185, DB; Delano Wellington, 6-2, 220, DL
Outlook: The Spartans were right in the mix for the City League championship last season in the final week. They figure again as a team to be reckoned with this year, returning a solid group of experienced players.
Goodbar is one of 25 seniors and is one of the league's top receivers. He caught a team-high 15 receptions for 265 yards and scored three touchdowns last season.
The Spartans, who employ a spread offense, must find some stability on the line and at the quarterback spot. Phillips, McClorine and Ross, All-City League first-team selections a year ago, present plenty of size up front on offense and defense for a team that finished in a three-way tie for second place last season.
On defense, Mangum returns as one of the league's top secondary players.
"If we can stay healthy we should be competitive," Harder said. "Our numbers in the junior class are very low. We have several sophomores in our two-deep depth chart.
"Our first five games will be a challenge since their [combined] regular season record was 47-3 last year and all of them made the playoffs."
2012 START SCHEDULE
Aug. 24-Whitmer
Aug. 31-at Anthony Wayne
Sept. 7-at Southview
Sept. 14-at Sandusky
Sept. 21-Tiffin Columbian
Sept. 28-Scott
Oct. 4-Waite
Oct. 12-at Rogers
Oct. 19-Woodward
Oct. 26-Bowsher