Defiance ready to tackle WBL opponents

DEFIANCE - For the second straight season, Defiance finished a football season 6-4 overall and 6-3 in the Western Buckeye League when the curtain closed on 2007.

In order to repeat or better that mark, the Bulldogs will need some new faces to step up - especially on the offense, where the team lost key players such as quarterback Adam Wagner and halfback Ryan George.

The offensive unit, which utilizes a bootleg/option style, will return six letterwinning players to the mix.

Senior halfback Travis Spitnale (5-10, 160) returns with the most experience in the backfield after two years of significant playing time. Junior Aaron Swanson (5-10, 145) will also see time at halfback while senior Jordan Gonzales (5-8, 135) will provide the squad with a solid returning receiver.

Up front, tackle Glen Ward (6-0, 180), guard Devin Dorn (5-6, 151) and center Casey Fuhrman (6-0, 205) will lead the way.

Defensively, senior linebacker Alex Perez (5-7, 155) will anchor Defiance's multiple 30/40/50 scheme. Along with Perez, Ward, Max Peter (5-9, 150) and Jake Moser (5-8, 150) will fill out the linebacking duties.

Junior Jake Suman (5-11, 220) will be a key cog on the defensive line.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Travis Spitnale

The 5-foot-10, 160-pound senior halfback will play a key role in the team's bootleg/option offense.

DEFIANCE

Coach: Jerry Buti

Years, record at school: 18 years, 135-60

2007 record: 6-4 overall, 6-3 Western Buckeye League

Returning letterwinners: 11

Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense

Outlook: Defiance will have to replace quarterback Adam Wagner among the nine key losses the team suffered to graduation. The Bulldogs haven't been to the playoffs since 2003.

Aug. 21 at Napoleon

Aug. 29 OTTAWA-GLANDORF

Sept. 5 at Wapakoneta

Sept. 12 ST. MARYS

Sept. 19 at Van Wert

Sept. 26 at Shawnee

Oct. 3 KENTON

Oct. 10 ELIDA

Oct. 17 at Bath

Oct. 24 CELINA