By BRANDON JUDEH

sports@vindy.com

LEETONIA

Leetonia roared its way to two early wins against Columbiana and Mathews to start the 2013 season off at 2-1. Unfortunately seven losses followed, in large part due to injuries to several key players.

“Our goal in camp is to keep our guys healthy, especially after all of the injuries we suffered through last season,” said head coach Matt Altomare. “So we need to get them conditioned and continue to install the new formations we have been adding during camp.”

The Bears will operate from several new formations this year, a move that Altomare says will, “Change the perception of Leetonia football.”

OFFENSE

After breaking his leg and missing some time last year, QB Trent Ferry left the team. He’ll be replaced by 6-foot-4 Drew Turney, who moves over from receiver. His main target will be Josh Faulkner.

Senior Colton Gudat is back at running back.

“Gudat is a hybrid back,” Altomare said. “He’s like a fullback and tailback combined. He has tremendous size and speed and can run inside or outside.”

The offensive line features three returning starters: tackles Michael Buffone and Nathan Inboden and center Connor Mellinger.

DEFENSE

As many as eight guys could rotate on the defensive line.

Junior Seth Whittemore along with 320-pound Derek Bell should be the leaders on the line as well as Buffone.

Faulkner and Ferry will return as cornerbacks. Joining them will be safeties Devon Galvin and Drew Turney.

Though Gudat and Tanner Tullis will be manning two of the linebacker positions the other spots are still open. Contending will be Cameron Hitchcock, Drew Turney and Quinten Giesen.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Faulkner may be the busiest player on the field this year, as he will also do both the kicking and punting duties after being perfect in his extra point attempts last season.

“Faulkner is kind of our do it all player, he can play several positions and is very good at everything he does,” said Altomare.

OUTLOOK

Now that the Bears are injury free, things should be even more interesting in the ITCL’s Tier Two.

Experience at the quarterback position and the team’s numerous offensive and defensive linemen should see the team compete against the best.

“As long as we take things one game at a time we should be fine,” Altomare said. “We have what it takes to be competitive in every game.”