By DAN HINER

sports@vindy.com

EAST FAIRFIELD

After a 3-7 (1-3 Inter-Tri County League) season in 2016, Crestview will look to get back to the playoffs after the dismantling of the ITCL.

Last season was the first losing season for Crestview since 2003. It also ended an eight-year run of playoff appearances.

Head coach Paul Cusick said the team is trying to schedule bigger schools for the next two seasons. He said the Rebels have always tried to schedule larger non-conference programs in the past but this season will introduce teams the Rebels haven’t played before.

He said getting the players to focus on preparation every week could become a new challenge but expects them to adjust to the new schedule.

Offense

The Rebels have eight starters returning for the 2017 season, including 1,099-yard rusher Andrew Yanssens. Caleb Hill returns at quarterback. Hill ran for 588 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016.

Cusick said he expects the passing game to improve this season due to an improved group of receivers.

Cusick said the biggest question for the offense will be on the offensive line. The Rebels aren’t deep up front and size is always a concern, Cusick said.

Despite those concerns, Dominic Perry is returning at guard and is considered one of the top linemen in the area.

“I think more than anything, we’re more experienced. We have a number of returning lettermen on offense,” Cusick said. “A lot of those guys started as sophomores, they’re gonna be juniors. We got a good opportunity to be multifaceted.”

Defense

Danny Moore, Dakota Stratton and Perry were standouts for the Rebels last season, and will be important pieces of the defense in 2017.

Cusick also said fans should keep an eye out for linebacker Andrew Hardenbrook, who missed half the 2016 season with an injury. The coaching staff has high expectations for him in 2017.

Crestview will make some slight changes to the defense in 2017. Cusick said the coaches are changing formations and want to be more aggressive and attack the line of scrimmage.

Cusick also added the strength of the team will be the unit’s collective speed. He said the goal of the defense will be to fly around the field and create turnovers instead of the “read and react” defense the Rebels have played in the past.

Special Teams

Moore and Yanssens will be the kickers this season, and Dylan Huff will be the punter.

Cusick wants the special teams unit to be “a threat” on returns and coverage. He said a number of lettermen will be featured and are looking forward to making an impact in different ways.

Outlook

Cusick said the expectation for the 2017 season is to play at a high level and return to the playoffs. He said that starts with producing a winning season and he believes the players have put in the work to compete in every game.

“We’ve had a great camp — great through two-a-days — the attitudes been great. We’ve improved that way as a team. We’ve grown quickly,” Cusick said. “I think being able to get the first win under your belt, regardless of who it is, will be an opportunity for our kids to get excited and get the ball rolling.”