Western Capsule Preview
Coach: John Isola, first year.
2007 record: 8-3 (5-1 Southwest).
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense.
Top players: QB Devin Wiedemann (Jr.); TE Dante Warren (Jr.); C Nate Taylor (Sr.); WR Giovon Grant (Sr.); RB Dawon Maxey (Sr.); DT Clarence Young (Sr.); DE Donte Perry (Sr.); LB Oliver Recarte (Sr.); FS Brian Mickel (Sr.).
Outlook: The Warriors are starting over after a fine season last year. Both halves of the quarterback-running back duo of J.D. Buonantony and Reggie Bullock, who combined for more than 3,100 yards of total offense and 33 touchdowns, are gone.
Western has only four returning lettermen.
“It’s a new staff and a new system,” Isola said. “We’re doing things differently here than they’ve done before.”
The Warriors are trying to gradually improve each week and believe they can contend for a playoff berth.