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All of Ben Lomond's skill position players who led the team last year in passing (Kenyon Harris), rushing (Angelo Rios) and receiving (Deontay Nish) graduated following a season that ended in a playoff appearance.

"Going into the offseason, I was a little nervous because we had a lot of seniors — a couple of all-staters," Scots coach Eric Alder said.

But Alder now feels much better, saying that the offseason was the best he's had since he joined the program.

"The guys are anxious to get out and prove themselves finally," he said.

Ben Lomond moves into a Class 4A region that includes previous league foes Stansbury, Tooele and Park City. But even the new rivals have a built-in familiarity as Ogden and Bonneville fill out Region 11.

"Now the three schools in Ogden get to play each other," Alder said. "And in games that matter."

Behind center • Devante Calderon (6 foot 2, 200 pounds) played some at safety last year and now will be given the quarterback duties for his senior season. Calderon was out for six weeks with an injury, but Alder said he was one of those who excelled in the offseason and is expected to add more of a run element to the position. Junior Zander Caffall (5-8, 170) is the heir apparent at running back, but Alder still is looking to add depth to the position. "That's a priority for us," he said.

The wide receiving corps is "five or six deep," according to Alder, and will be led by seniors Tayshon Doss (6-0, 145) and Bradley Stephens (5-9, 160). Junior Stephon Watson (5-10, 150) has long arms that will help him snag balls at receiver as well as safety in the defensive backfield. "I think we'll be solid overall with our athletic ability," Alder said. Elijah Scott-White (5-11, 140) is a senior who will help Watson defend the long ball along with Calderon and Stephens — and junior Tre' Pearson (5-9, 160) at safety.

In the trenches • At least a couple of players will see action on both the offensive and defensive lines. Alex Christofferson (6-3, 250) may get fatigued, but he's the most likely candidate to go both ways — at tackle on the O-line and nose guard to anchor the 3-4 defensive scheme. Fellow senior Garett Leatherow (5-11, 240) also will see ample time on offense between the guard and center spots, then at defensive end. Junior Ian Gray (6-3, 225) mainly will play on the offensive line and has the potential to be a solid blocker and pass protector.

Hit men • One leading returner for Ben Lomond is the Scots' leading tackler from the 2016 season. Dane McGregor (5-8, 200) made 51 solo stops, part of an overall tackle count of 80, during his junior season and is back at inside linebacker. Senior Brennan Green (5-11, 185) saw limited action last year, but Alder is expecting him, along with Rios at strong safety, to make life difficult through the heart of the defense. Green "worked really hard to get his body stronger and faster," Alder said.

Key returners • Dane McGregor, Sr. (LB); Devante Calderon, Sr. (QB/SS); Zander Caffall, Jr. (RB/OLB); Alex Christofferson, Sr. (OT/NG)

Key losses • Kenyon Harris, QB; Angelo Rios, RB/SS; Deontay Nish, WR/FS; Johnny Gallegos, LB/RB.

The next wave • Brennan Green, Sr. (LB), Zander Caffall, Jr. (RB/LB); Ian Gray, Jr. (OL); Tayshon Doss, Sr. (WR)

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Ben Lomond Scots

Coach • Eric Alder, 4th year

Last season • 5-6, 2-5 in Region 3AA North; advanced to Class 3AA opening round

Championship game appearances • 1978, 1984, 1997

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • at Salem Hills, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • Copper Hills, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 • at Morgan, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 • Juab, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 • Park City, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 • Tooele, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 • at Bonneville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • at Stansbury, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • at Ogden, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 (Wed) • Green Canyon, 7 p.m.