By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

SALINEVILLE

After getting outscored 324-101 en route to a 2-8 mark, Southern coach Mike Skrinjar felt a change was in order, especially after the Indians lost eight of their last nine Games. It was just their second losing season since 2008.

“We didn’t feel like the program was where it should be as we looked to the future, so we blew the entire system up and started over,” Skrinjar said. “Football isn’t an easy game to play and it definitely isn’t easy to prepare for, so we brought in players, everyone from freshmen to seniors who were interested in being the face of our program.

“We’re very young at most positions and to me that is a positive. It’s a positive because a couple of years down the road this will be a very competitive unit.”

Replacing wide receiver Jared Shilot, the school’s all-time career receiving yards leader and tailback Michael McKenzie will be a task while defensive back M.J. Williams, who played everywhere a season ago and outside linebacker J.T. Bickley are also voids that need to be filled.

OFFENSE

The Indians will run multiple formations out of the spread.

“There’s a lot of energy this year and our players are ready to get going,” Skrinjar said. “Our strength is a willingness to embrace change while how we react to adversity will tell us a lot about ourselves in the early going.”

Tackles Marcus Walter and Jacob Telley, center Zack Almy and guard Alec Smallridge will anchor the line. Dave Richards is an all-purpose athlete who can play both receiver and quarterback.

Junior Michael Oates will start at QB and Dakota Wetzel is a skilled receiver.

DEFENSE

In the secondary, seniors Andrew Aderhold and Garrett Coil will be counted upon with a very athletic Michael Shope listed at cornerback.

Junior Jess McClurg is a two-year letterwinner and one of the mainstays, having played outside linebacker as a freshman and middle linebacker a season ago. Wetzel also is a linebacker.

Ken Parrish should contribute at middle linebacker and Joe Gibson at end.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Skrinjar has the luxury of choosing from several kickers, with McClurg — considered the best leg on the team — handling kickoffs and extra points.

Alex Aderhold is a kickoff specialist as well and both Oates and Shope are eyeing the punting chores.

OUTLOOK

Staying injury-free will be key along with sustaining drives.

“I like to quote Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson when he says ‘preparation is the separation’ and for us, we’ve been preparing for this the entire offseason,” Skrinjar said.