By JIM RUMBLE

Despite having lost a considerable number of good senior players from last year's squad, Avonworth head coach Jason Kekseo, in his sixth season at the helm, is convinced that this year's team is one of the better squads to take the field. Although fans are unlikely to see the “superstars” of seasons past, Kekseo says that the “supporting cast” is better than ever.

"When we first started out we had Eric Vone as our star. Then it was Khiry Watts, and then it was Jimmy Zubik. Now we don't have those per se stars, but we have a great supporting cast and that supporting cast is what made those stars contribute," Kekseo said.

"That cast is back and licking their chops and they are ready to win," he added.

The Antelopes will rely offensively on a large core of juniors as they start only two seniors on that side of the ball, according to Kekseo. One of them is left tackle Scott Barlek, whose play should be quite noticeable throughout the season.

"He's a big kid at 6'5" and 250 lbs. and he really gets into people and does a great job for us," Kekseo said.

The other senior on offense is running back Andrew Niklaus, who was listed as a wide receiver but was hurt last season.

"I think you are going to hear a lot about Niklaus at running back -- he's going to make an impact," said Kekseo.

There is a third senior, offensive lineman Milton Loop, who was injured over the past year in a non-football accident, and was recently cleared for contact.

“He's a player who started every game as a freshman, sophomore and junior and may be ready for the beginning of the season," said Kekseo.

Calling the signals at quarterback this year will be junior Brian Vales, who switched from wide receiver last year while making the All Conference team defensively as a free safety.

"He's an athlete coming back -- he's got a strong arm and we are excited about what he can do at quarterback," Kekseo said.

The player to watch on defense is linebacker Eddie Kurtz.

"He's the backbone of our defense. He's a seeking missile to the ball -- a big strong kid."

The Antelopes will have to deal with the usual front runners in the section in games against North Catholic and Springdale.Local fans should be looking forward to an old rilvary reinstated, as the section was realigned to include Northgate. These two teams last met in 2003.

"We look forward to the competition. Every week is competition and I think we're one of the better teams," Kekseo said.