Springfield will look to snap a 34-game losing streak with six starters returning
on offense and seven on defense.
Spartans coach Kevin Vaughn, a 1997 Elllet graduate, said junior center Erik Etapa will anchor the offensive line.
“Erik is a smart kid,” Vaughn said. “He’s a leader. He has been in the weight room a lot in the offseason and he is the strongest kid on the team. He is a pleasure to be around.”
Sophomore Dillon Matthews, junior Zack Talbert and senior Dominic Brown will be the primary rushers; and junior Chase Cole and senior Joey O’Neil are threats at receiver.
Senior John Hofer and senior Chris Evans will lead the defense.
“John does it all,” Vaughn said. “He’s a great kid and a great student, not only in the classroom, but also on the field.”
Check Thursday’s Akron Beacon Journal for a special section in the newspaper that previews the 2009 season.
