By Steve Wilaj

sports@vindy.com

POLAND

Sure, Poland lost 17 seniors from last season’s 10-2 team that played into Week 12. And it’s true that the Bulldogs will boast six new starters on offense — including new quarterbacks and playmakers — as well as five new defensive starters.

Even so, head coach Mark Brungard doesn’t see any reason that the Bulldogs shouldn’t make their ninth straight playoff appearance in 2015.

“Because of the strength we have returning on the offensive and defensive line,” said Brungard, entering his 11th season with Poland. “That’s definitely our strongest units. If you can be strong there and control the run game on either side, you have a chance to play beyond Week 10.”

Offense

Poland has to replace most of its backfield from last season, which was manned by running backs Marlon Ramirez and Austin Wilson, as well as quarterback Dom Petrony. Fullback Nick Petrolla is the lone returner.

Seniors Dylan Garver and Anthony Audi will get carries at running back, while Brungard said a couple of sophomores are also in the mix.

The quarterback position may be a two-man job between senior Nick Buccieri and freshman Cole Kosco.

“It’s going to be a committee and we’ll see who emerges,” Brungard said of the running back situation. “And then [Buccieri and Kosco] are each going to have kind of a different role. But they fill those roles well and right now they’re doing a pretty good job.”

Anthony Calcagni, Poland’s leading receiver from 2014, returns at wideout. So does three-fifths of the Bulldogs offensive line — Evan Montgomery, Joe Bonarigo and Justyn Madick.

“Our line is going to be a big factor because it all starts up front,” said Bonarigo, who will play right guard. “Then we have the skill players to make the cuts when we make good blocks.”

Defense

Safeties Garver and Tyler Smith return to stabilize the back end of a Poland defense that allowed just 15.1 points per game last season. Senior linemen Ethan Monvilovich and Trey Ellis are back, as is Audi at linebacker.

“We’ll build some pieces around those guys,” Brungard said. “But right up the middle with our D-line, middle linebacker and safeties, we’re really strong.”

Senior cornerback Gino Centofanti is also a returning starter.

Special Teams

Junior Colt McFadden will follow in the footsteps of his father Paul and older brother Connor to handle Poland’s kicking duties.

“He really has a strong leg and I think he’s gonna have a great season as our kicker,” Brungard said.

McFadden will also possibly serve as the punter. As for the return game, Calcagni and Garver will likely get the first shot to handle the duties.

Outlook

Success for Poland — which will compete in both the White and Red divisions of the All-American Conference for the first time — will largely depend on the emergence of its new backfield. But if its line is as effective as Brungard indicates, that shouldn’t be a problem, as it will also take pressure off of the Bulldogs’ inexperienced quarterback duo.

Even with losing 17 seniors from last season, the Bulldogs’ 18 returning lettermen and their strong defensive core sets them up well for yet another playoff appearance.

“It’s hard to take over the senior job when you had a strong senior class in front of you,” Smith said. “But we’re working together and getting stronger every day to be better than those seniors were last year.”