SE MICHIGAN

Whiteford Bobcats

FROM LEFT: Row 1: Josh Kunz, Kevin Kaufman, Collin Lake, George Vergote, Joel Holtz, Evan Armistead, Brian Tabbert. Row 2: Troy Diller, Lucas Shively, Tyler Richardson, Ken Smiddy, Gabe LaRoy, Zach Perry, Zach Phalen, Tyler Lee, Jared Kaufman Row 3: Sam Boland, trainer, John Nagle, assistant, Tom Eitniear, assistant, Cody Inman, Chris Sims, Austin Morris, Kris Hoag, assistant, Jason Mensing, head coach, Jay Gilmore, assistant

Coach: Jason Mensing, first year

Last season: 4-5, 3-4 Tri-County Conference

Returning letter winners: 14

Returning starters: Offense 7, defense 7

Schemes: Double Wing/4-4

Top players: Seniors Gabe LaRoy, 6-0, 175, QB; Brian Tabbert, 5-7, 155, FB; Cody Inman, 6-5, 235, DE; Zach Phalen, 6-1, 260, OL/DL; Austin Morris, 6-1, 230, OL; George Vergote, 5-10, 155, LB. Junior Chris Sims, 6-2, 250, OL.

Outlook: The Bobcats have a new offense but the same playmakers -- and that is fine by their new coach.

Mensing, who arrives after a season as offensive line coach at Siena Heights University, inherits a roster he believes is well suited to run the double wing. The Bobcats' 19-member roster features a veteran offensive line anchored by Phalen; a workhorse FB in Tabbert (577 rushing yards); hybrid run-catch threats Colin Lake and Tyler Lee; and the record-setting arm of LaRoy. The third-year starting quarterback threw for a school-record 1,201 yards and 13 TDs last season.

"The biggest challenge that we have right now is that [the offense] is new for them," Mensing said. "So covering that learning curve while preparing for good opponents is going to be a real challenge for us."

With a playoff-hungry class of 12 seniors, however, a postseason appearance appears a realistic aim.

"We've got a tremendous senior class," Mensing said. "They they seem to have a passion to play the game. ... We're extremely optimistic."

2012 WHITEFORD SCHEDULE

Aug. 24-Blissfield

Aug. 30-at Erie Mason

Sep. 7-at Sand Creek

Sep. 14-Clinton

Sep. 21-at Britton-Deerfield

Sep. 28- at Summerfield

Oct. 5-Whitmore Lake

Oct. 12-at Morenci

Oct. 19-Adrian Madison