By STEVE WILAJ

sports@vindy.com

WELLSVILLE

When Wellsville takes the field inside Nicholson Stadium — the Tigers’ home turf where they haven’t lost since 2012 — in Week 1 against Toronto, Rich Wright’s squad knows what’s expected.

“There are a lot of expectations to repeat last year’s success and get back to Week 11,” said senior RB Zack Mellott.

But with the graduation of 14 seniors from the 2013 Wellsville team that finished 9-3 and reached the Division VII playoffs, there will be plenty of new faces to embrace those expectations.

“There are a lot of guys to replace,” said Wright, in his second year. “But in seven of our 12 games, we played everybody. We also had two extra weeks and played against good competition in our league. So we’re not that inexperienced, really.”

Offense

The biggest hole to fill on an offense that returns just three starters is at quarterback, where junior Alex Bradford will replace two-year starter Jordan Sloan.

“He’s fast and he also throws a nice deep ball,” Mellott said. “He’s just missing the experience, like everybody else. Alex just has to step in and be a leader.”

They’ll also look to Mellott for leadership. The senior back had more than 1,200 rushing yards last season.

Other playmakers are expected to be TyShawn Franklin at wingback, Devin Smith at receiver and Frankie Jackson headlining a deep tight end group.

The line features four-year starter Seth Bloor at right guard, three-year starter Travis Furbie at left tackle, Eric Sullivan at left guard and Branden Valentine (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) at right tackle.

“We’re really big this year.” Mellott said. “I think it’s gonna be fun if everybody gets on the same page.”

Defense

The Tigers return five starters on defense, including junior linebacker Vinnie Giordano — who led the team in tackles the past two seasons.

“We were a tough defense last year that played hard-nosed football,” Giordanosaid. “I think we should come back as the same thing this year.”

A big goal for the Wellsville defense will be to replace the production of 2013 All-Ohio free safety Marcus Moxley.

Special Teams

While Kurt Rosenbaum will take over the punting duties, Wright said the kicker has yet to be determined.

Outlook

While Division VII Wellsville will again try to challenge Western Reserve in Tier Two of the Inter Tri-County League, and for a playoff spot, Wright realizes a lot depends on the first half of the campaign.

“Our first five games might tell the tale,” he said.