TAAC

Gibsonburg Golden Bears

FROM LEFT: Row 1: Derek Shammo, Matt Molina, Dennis Shammo, Jeremy Leavitt, Jordan Jahna, Nick Metcalf, Brent Kromer, Tristain Palmerton. Row 2: Jacob Auld, Alex Garcia, Andy Schroeder, Adam Copley, Isaih Arriaga, Matt Lutzmann, Jacob Blausey. Row 3: Damien Schmeltz, Tory Ickes, Brandon Campbell, Alex Vargo, A.J. Blausey, Matt Tille, Bryce Wright, Bryce Ernsthausen, Tyler Hovis, Derek Angelone. Row: 4: Billy Ruth, Zach Hill, Marcus Kreais, Josh Dyer, Marcus Tille, Erik Jahna, Griffin Geary, Wesley Campbell, Dylan Maynard, Skyler Shively.

Coach: Steve Reser, third year

Last season: 5-5, 4-3 TAAC

Returning letter winners: 16

Returning starters: Offense 6, defense 4

Schemes: Shotgun spread/30 stack

Top players: Seniors Nick Metcalf, 5-11, 195, OL-DL; Jeremy Leavitt, 5-7, 165, RB-LB; Brent Kromer, 5-7, 145, RB-LB. Sophomores Matt Tille, 5-10, 185, QB; Tyler Hovis, 5-9, 195, L-LB; A.J. Blausey, 5-9, 180, RB-LB; Derek Angelone, 6-0, 160, WR.

Outlook: In their second season in the TAAC, the Golden Bears look to improve, and were picked to place third. The 36-player roster includes only eight seniors, but a solid sophomore group seems to bode well for the future. Tille passed for 855 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman starter in 2011, plus rushed for 734 yards and seven TDs. Metcalf is the team's top lineman, and Kromer is expected to lead the defense. The Bears are experienced at the skill positions, and Reser's chief concern is inexperience on both lines.

"We have great potential to build off the second half of last season," Reser said. "Our depth isn't great, but we should be competitive. The team is working hard to bring a winning record back to Gibsonburg football."

2012 GIBSONBURG SCHEDULE

Aug. 24-Elmwood

Aug. 31-at Lakota

Sep. 7-Fremont St. Joseph

Sep. 14-Ottawa Hills

Sep. 21-at Northwood

Sep. 29-Cardinal Stritch at Clay

Oct. 5-Toledo Christian

Oct. 12-Hilltop

Oct. 19-at Danbury

Oct. 26-at Edon