Grundy County

Head coach: Nick Bryant (3342 here and overall)

Returning starters: 5 offensive; 6 defensive

Last year’s record: 2-7 overall, lost in Class 3A first round

Key players: Javon Brown (6-0, 170) Jr. QB/LB, Kyler Hopkins (5-7, 150) Jr. RB/DB, Junior Crisp (5-11, 145) Sr. WR/DB, Kegan Kilgore (5-10, 185) Fr. OL/DL, Aiden Lusk (6-1, 195) Sr. TE/DL, Kyler Cantrell (6-1, 165) Sr. RB/ LB, Blake Atha (5-11, 255) Jr. OL/ DL, Nic Campbell (6-1, 210) Sr. OL/DL Season outlook: Having once led the Yellow Jackets to five straight postseason appearances, Bryant wants to build a winner again.

Hopkins looks poised for a breakout season after showcasing the potential for big plays while averaging 12.2 yards per touch in 2021, when he led the team in tackles with 51. He’ll also handle kick returns.

“Kyler, Nic Campbell, Javon Brown and Aiden Lusk are our go-to leaders,” Bryant said. “The challenge is getting these players to lead by example. Be at practice early every day, follow coaches’ instructions and keep the locker room clean and organized. It’s also key for them to take care of the younger players and make them feel wanted. I have been pleased with the team’s attitude and work ethic so far.”

Brown received valuable experience last season and threw two touchdown passes against a powerful Clay County team. He has a solid receiving corps that will be led by Crisp, Lusk and Cantrell, who last season had single-game highs of 133 rushing yards (Clay County) and 125 receiving yards (Tyner).