Team photo from left:
Row 1: Isaiah Brown, Andres Rojas, David Estrada, Charles Moss, Guillermo Munez, James Martin, Mordecai Brownlee, Darius Fleming, Samuel Fields, David Aguilar, Kelvon Lee, Deondre Gott
Row 2: Javon Edmond, Mordecai Brownlee, Breon Strozier, Carter Coley, Shonta Jones, Isaiah Jefferson, Matthew Dunn, Dijon Walker, Trevon Edwards
Row 3: Akeem Stigler, Jeramie Toyer, Kevin Wallace, James Brown, Ckalvin Smith-Hamilton, Samuel McBride, Dillon Johnson, Vedel Williams
Row 4: Bradley Stempky (trainer); coaches — Javar Thomas, head coach Sean Wesolowski, Don Grainger, Mike Martin
Not in photo: James Rushing, Aaron Walker, Antonio King, SaVaughn Ross, Donte Woods
ABOUT THE TEAM:
Coach: Sean Wesolowski, second year
Last season: 0-10, 0-5 CL
Returning letter winners: 13
Returning starters: Offense 7, defense 8
Schemes: Spread/4-4
Top players: Seniors Mordecai Brownlee, 5-10, 225, RB-LB; David Aguilar, 5-10, 250, OL-DL; Sam Fields, 5-10, 160, WR-DB. Junior Javon Edmont, 6-1, 180, WR-DE.
Outlook: The Polar Bears have some experience returning with 15 starters back.
Keeping a positive approach heading into the season is a key element. Woodward has lost 53 consecutive games.
"We know as coaches and players that we are heavy underdogs in every game we play," Wesolowski said. "Yet, we have accepted this challenge and work to turn around this program."
Woodward's struggles appear to be a lack of size and depth.
Brownlee is key to the offense. He rushed last season for a team-best 626 yards on 118 carries (5.3 yards per carry) last season.
Edmond, who caught 12 passes for 321 yards, showed plenty of potential. His height and speed can create trouble for smaller defensive backs.
Aguilar and Fields are team leaders on both offense and defense.
WOODWARD SCHEDULE
Aug. 30-Cardinal Stritch at Clay
Sep. 7-Toledo Christian at Bowsher
Sep. 13-Northwood at Waite
Sep. 20-at Canal Fulton Northwest
Sep. 27-at Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin
Oct. 4-at Bowsher
Oct. 11-at Rogers
Oct. 19-Scott at Start
Oct. 25-at Start
Oct. 31-at Waite