McCallie

Head coach: Ralph Potter (157-76 here; 225-108 overall)

Returning starters: 4 offensive; 6 defensive

Last year’s record: 12-0 overall, won Division II-AAA state championship

Key players: Tario Price (5-11, 195) Sr. RB, E.J. Smith (6-2, 350) Sr. OL, John Kirk (5-11, 235) Sr. OL, Trey Thompson (6-3, 300) Sr. OL, Jeremy St. Hilaire (6-4, 210) Jr. QB, Carson Gentle (6-4, 240) Jr. DE, Etienne Delisle (6-2, 215) Sr. LB, Andre Delinois (6-2, 205) Sr. SS, Jay Williams (6-3, 230) Sr. DE, Jetty Miller (6-2, 235) Sr. MLB

Season outlook: The challenge now for the Blue Tornado is maintaining the incredibly high standards the program has set for itself. Having won three consecutive state titles — with a 31-5 record during that stretch — and riding a 16-game streak of victories as the season kicks off, the level of expectation couldn’t be higher.

Having a good nucleus of returning starters, including three on the offensive line, plus others who gained big-game experience as well as a talented collection of newcomers is a solid foundation to build on this season.

“The best thing about the guys we have coming back is that they’re all really good,” Potter said.

“We’re pretty big and physical up front, but we’ll need to develop some depth to go with them. We’ll look a little different offensively because there are new guys in most of the skill positions, but I think the potential is there, too.”

The return of Price, who led the Blue Tornado in rushing — including 114 yards in the BlueCross Bowl state title win at Finley Stadium — gives the offense a proven big-play threat. Hilaire, one of 13 Canadian transfers on the roster, has shown a firm grasp of the offense in the preseason.

The defense, which gave up just seven points in both the semifinals and title game, has a solid front returning that includes Gentle, a recent Tennessee commitment, and linebackers Delisle and Miller. There’s also a trio of seniors in the secondary who are fast and physical: Ollie Carter, Mathis Pilon and Delinois, who has an offer from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

The team’s strength could be on that side of the ball while the offense finds its footing early.