Coach: Tim O’Connor (fourth year)
Conference: West Class: D
Last year: 2-7, lost in regional quarterfinals
Returning players: Seniors — Ryan Vail (C/DT), Noah Rose (TE), Chris Chappie (FB/DT), Zach Wheeler (G), Mike Dougherty (slot/SE); Junior — Keith Crockett (T).
Key losses: Jared Vermette (QB/S), Austin Ryerson (TB/LB), Brett Gould (G), Tyler Cherkis (WB/LB), Zach Mills (DE).
Promising newcomer: Sophomore — Elijah Mason (QB).
Season outlook: Telstar’s seniors have seen the varsity program through from infancy to respectability in its second life. The Rebels have improved by a win each of the past two seasons, finishing 2013 with their initial playoff appearance. A veteran offensive line, led by four-year starter Vail, anchors hopes for continued improvement. Mason takes over the role of starting QB but isn’t new to the position, and it has been a seamless transition thus far. Defense is coming off a solid season, including a shutout of a Traip program that had played in the regional final the previous year. O’Connor is reluctant to set a number of wins as a bar, noting that he believes the Rebels can compete every week, and players agree. “We respect everybody, but we don’t fear anybody,” Wheeler said.
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