Coach: Steven Brancheau, second year
Last season: 0-10, 0-8 NWOAL
Returning letter winners: 14
Returning starters: Offense 8, defense 8
Schemes: Spread/4-4
Top players: Seniors Tyler Benner, 5-10, 170, QB-FS; Collin Mercer, 5-9, 150, RB-LB; Jon Kulpinski, 5-7, 170, OL-DL; Alex Cook, 5-11, 190; 0L-DL; Donovan Chamberlain, 5-7, 200, OL-DL. Juniors Nathan Buehrer, 6-0, 215, OL-LB; Keegan Hitzeman, 5-10, 155, WR-DB; Adam Altaffer, 5-11, 190, OL-DL.
Outlook: The Locomotives hope to avoid another winless season as they begin their second season under Brancheau, who previously served as an St. John's Jesuit assistant coach.
Montpelier had a year of working on a spread offense attack and Benner figures as the key to making it work this season. He completed 50 of 113 passes for 550 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 423 yards on 126 carries.
There are eight starters back on both sides of the football. Benner and Mercer are among 10 seniors expected to lead the charge as the Locomotives look to take steps toward becoming a more competitive program.
"We look to build on the progress we made last year as a team," Brancheau said. "After having one year in the system the kids are really picking things up quickly and we look to improve from last year."
2012 MONTPELIER SCHEDULE
Aug. 23-Hilltop
Aug. 31-Liberty Center
Sept. 7-at Patrick Henry
Sept. 14-Swanton
Sept. 21-at Bryan
Sept. 28-at Archbold
Oct. 5-Wauseon
Oct. 13-at Bishop Ready
Oct. 19-at Evergreen
Oct. 26-Delta