Hixson

Head coach: Josh Owensby (5-14 here; 14-27 overall)

Returning starters: 7 offensive; 6 defensive

Last year’s record: 3-7 overall, did not qualify for Class 4A playoffs

Key players: Michael Kendricks (5-10, 155) Jr. RB/CB, Memphis Thomas (5-9, 150) Sr. WR/ DB, Brandon Burke (6-0, 210) Sr. RB/LB, Ronald Suttles (6-0, 170) So. WR/DB, Nisaiah Fredrick (6-5, 220) Sr. OL/DE, Richard Burney (6-0, 230) Jr. OL/DL, Chase Packer (5-10, 240) Jr. OL/DL, Chase Banard (5-11, 180) So. QB

Season outlook: The Wildcats have a chance to match their total for victories from last season in this year’s first six games, which present numerous winnable matchups.

Burke and Kendricks return as clear leaders, along with third-year starters Burney and Packer on the defensive line. Burke was an all-region linebacker who looks to complement his star counterpart in the backfield. Kendricks was named the co-athlete of the year in Region 3-4A last season as the elusive speedster rushed for 1,021 yards on 202 carries (10 touchdowns) in just seven games played.

If the passing game can find consistency and rhythm with Banard, who started five games last season, the Wildcats could have a nice up-tempo attack.

Fredrick and Suttles are both breakout candidates. Fredrick is a physical specimen in the trenches and can wreak havoc in opposing backfields. This will just be his second year playing football. Suttles will play on offense and defense after starting in the secondary as a freshman, and he and Thomas should be solid targets in the passing game.

Burney and Packer will also be counted on to lead an offensive line that must replace some key starters.

Hixson has lost to Soddy-Daisy by one score the past two years, and the Wildcats will host the Trojans in the ninth week of the season, a matchup that could have playoff implications for both sides.

“We are excited about the season ahead,” Owensby said. “We bring back a lot of kids who have started since they were freshmen. With that experience and a good bill of health, this team has lots of potential.”