Coach: Erik Johnson, fifth season
Last season: 8-4, 5-2 Tri-County Conference
Returning letter winners: 15
Returning starters: Offense 7, defense 7
Schemes: Pro style/4-3
Top players: Seniors Lucas Diver, 6-4, 170, QB; Dakota Ladd, 6-1, 180, LB; Jake Ogle, 5-11, 165, S; Mike Phillips, 5-10, 257, DT; Brad Sweeney, 5-10, 225, DE; Junior Josh Golkiewicz, 5-10, 180, RB.
Outlook: Johnson said he wants the Bulldogs' run-pass split to be even this year, and he looks to have the right pieces.
Diver, who threw for more than 1,000 yards as a junior last season, will have most of his top targets back while Golkiewicz appears poised to threaten the school's single-season rushing record.
The junior came up from the junior varsity halfway through last season and rushed for more than 1,400 yards in seven games. (A.J. Prebula holds the school record with 1,629 yards in 1992).
Defensively, third-year starters Phillips and Sweeney anchor the defensive line and three of four starters return in the secondary. The Bulldogs also return Ladd, who led the team with 121 tackles last year.
Among the biggest questions for a team seeking its third district championship in four years is the development of a new-look offensive front. Summerfield breaks in three new starting linemen.
"Our offensive line has looked good together," Johnson said. "They're a talkative group. We're making all the strides to be a pretty good football team this year."
2012 SUMMERFIELD SCHEDULE
Aug. 24-Erie Mason
Aug. 30-at Ida
Sept. 7-Adrian Madison
Sep. 14-Sand Creek
Sep. 21-at Morenci
Sep. 28-Whiteford
Oct. 5-at Britton-Deerfield
Oct. 12-Clinton
Oct. 19-at Whitmore Lake