By BRANDON JUDEH

sports@vindy.com

HANOVERTON

Coming into 2013, United was eyeing Week 11 and beyond, but two early losses quickly dashed those dreams and led to a disappointing 5-5 season.

This showed the underclassman that no matter how much talent you have, games aren’t played on paper.

“Things didn’t go as planned last year for us, we had a ton of talent on that team, but in the end that comes back on me for failing to utilize those things,” said United head coach Mike Ward.

Although the Golden Eagles graduated quarterback Garrett Beech and running back Mike Martin, they will have 11 seniors — all starters — back for 2014.

“We lost some great players, but have a ton of experience coming back,” Ward said. “We are very optimistic about what these kids are going to be able to do.”

OFFENSE

The offense’s biggest strength will be a mammoth line.

Lucas Cooper, a four-year letterman, and Roger Knizat will be the leaders up front. Tight end Eric Blosser, another four-year letterwinner, will also help block.

“We are very optimistic about our offensive line,” Ward said. “The entire line started last season and helped Beech and Martin be great players, so we know they can help the new starters be just as successful.”

The newcomer at quarterback may be senior Cody Dickens who was injured last year, but sophomore Colton Graham will also compete for playing time.

Returning at receiver will be three-year letterman Braden Davison. Joining him will be sophomore Jake Clark, who earned his first letter last season.

Seniors Bryan Weyant and Caige Vincent and juniors Kolton Smith and Tyler Powers are competing at running back and Ward expects them all to play.

“With all four playing both ways, I will be able to rotate them and get them some rest and keep them fresh,” Ward said.

DEFENSE

United returns everyone on the front seven. Cooper, Vincent and Blosser will help spearhead the line along with 260-pound senior Charlie Smith.

Knizat and Weyant will be the top linebackers. Dickens, Davidson, Powers, Graham and Clark will all get plenty of playing time in the secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Smith will handle the punting and kicking.

OUTLOOK

The Eagles could be playing in November as long as everyone stays healthy.

“We approach things like this: We play one game at a time and win one game at a time,” Ward said. “We believe we can win any game at any time, so we expect to go undefeated and be playing in Week 11.”