Coach: Sean Wesolowski, first year
Last season: 0-10, 0-5 CL
Returning letter winners: 12
Returning starters: Offense 6, defense 6
Schemes: Multiple/4-2-5
Top players: Senior Josh Dunn, 6-4, 310, OL-DL. Juniors Mordecai Brownlee, 5-10, 175, RB-LB; Devonte Urbina, 5-9, 170, OL-DL. Sophomore Isiah Jefferson, 5-9, 165, WR-DB.
Outlook: Keeping the energy and enthusiasm up are key for the Polar Bears under new coach Wesolowski.
Coming off a winless season, Woodward is trying to made steady progress to become competitive in the CL. The Bears, who have just over 40 players, have some talent.
However, with only four seniors, overcoming a lack of experience is a major concern although they have six returning starters back on both sides of the ball.
Brownlee is the team's top returning offensive player after rushing for 378 yards on 71 carries. Dunn represents the most experienced player on the team and is one of the largest linemen in the CL. Urbina and Jefferson have also shown strong potential.
"We're trying to get better every day," Wesolowski said. "Our team understands that we will be underdogs and will have to deal with adversity every game. This group of young men have accepted the challenge to change this program."
2012 WOODWARD SCHEDULE
Aug. 25-Cardinal Stritch at Clay
Aug. 31-Toledo Christian at Waite
Sept. 7-Ridgemont at TBA
Sept. 15-at East Liverpool
Sept. 21-at Dover
Sept. 27-at Bowsher
Oct. 5-at Rogers
Oct. 12-Scott at Waite
Oct. 19-at Start
Oct. 26-at Waite