By DAN HINER

sports@vindy.com

Champion

Champion head football coach Terry Howell is entering his seventh season with the Golden Flashes in an apparent rebuilding mode.

Champion is looking to rebound from a 1-9 record last season, when they finished in last place in the All-American conference.

The Golden Flashes have seven starters returning on offense and defense from last season. Last season, Champion had a number of young players contribute. Howell said the team lost several key contributors, but the young players gained enough experience in preparation for this season.

“Right now our numbers are a little bit lower than what we want them to be,” Howell said. “I think our kids have worked extremely hard in camps in July and in two-a-days. I’ve seen them grow. We do have some experience. At this point they are about where we think they should be.”

Howell understands that the All-American Conference is tough, but a successful start to the season could lead to more wins later in the year.

“I think at this point for us coming off a 1-9 year, we had a very young team last year,” Howell said. “I think our kids have to come out and start fast and have success early. We open up with Waterloo this year instead of Streetsboro. If we can come out and get a victory in Game 1 then that will put us on the right path, and then we’ll have Conneaut and Garrettsville to contend with.

“I think if we come out and start strong, the kids will respond. Winning breeds winning, and the kids need to gain some confidence. If we could do that, then the season will be a success.”

Offense

Senior quarterback Brandon Allen is returning for his second season. Howell said that the Golden Flashes have high expectations for Allen.

Sophomore Nate Stahlman led the Golden Flashes in rushing last season. Eric Fenstermaker is also returning as the fullback. Logan Brown and Griffin Howell also are expected to contribute this season from the H-back position.

One of Champion’s strengths will be an offensive line featuring four returning starters. Jacob Walters, Zack Page, Chris Chaney and Bobby Holloway will be returning at the tackle and guard positions.

The Golden Flashes lost last year’s starting center, Kyle Schneider. Sophomore Ryan Douglas is filling the vacancy. He lettered as a backup last season. Kenny Brady is considered “the sixth starter” and can play anywhere on the line.

Defense

Champion will have to fill the hole left by the loss of Mason Brown in the front seven. Page, Chaney, Brady and Douglas will see time on the line. Douglas will play primarily at end this season.

The defense will have to replace Joe Batcho in the secondary, but Howell is confident the rest of the defensive backs can pick up the slack. Howell said there have been several young players who are competing for time, but depth throughout the defense could potentially be a problem.

“We feel good about the kids we have, we just don’t have enough depth right now,” Howell said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

John Mahan is a veteran kicker entering his senior season and has been the kicker. He has been the Golden Flashes’ kicker each of the last three seasons. Freshman Eric Karafa is also on the roster.

Outlook

Champion will open the season with Waterloo on Friday. The Golden Flashes have lost four straight season openers. The most challenging part of the season will come in the first two conference games. Champion will open conference play on the road against Girard (8-3) and LaBrae (6-4) at home.

“Our goal is to be competitive and earn respect of the teams in our conference. You do that by winning games and coming out and playing hard.” Howell said.

“If our kids come out and do those things then the wins will come, and with the wins will come the opportunity to win the conference. Our conference is one that is extremely tough, but we know every week we could win. There’s no givens in this conference.”