INDIAN RIVER INDIANS (8-4, 5-1 Henlopen South)

By Richard Long

Following two straight conference championships and back-to-back heartbreaking playoff losses in the semis to eventual champion Concord in each of the last two years, it has become evident that Indian River no longer has a football team – they have a football program.

OFFENSE: The Indians biggest loss in their multiple-set offense came at halfback with the graduation of stars Therman Hagans and Josh Long, who combined for 2,477 yards of total offense and 33 touchdowns last season. Seniors Danny Veith and Matt Williamson will step into the void at halfback and the team will platoon three players at the fullback position - Scott Bollinger, Josh Gott and Perry Townsend.

Tall left-handed QB Eric Givans is coming off a strong junior season that saw him complete 50% of his passes for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns. "This is his year," coach Jim Bunting said. "Eric will be the one to run the huddle. We may throw more and he has the arm strength to cover the field." Waiting in the wings are sophomores Nick Kemetz and Trevor Abbott and the coaching staff is confident that either player could get the job done if pressed into duty.

Josh Dean returns at receiver after making 17 receptions for 262 yards in 2004. "Josh comes from an athletic family," Bunting said. "He did everything we asked of him last year and he and Eric are a great connection." Senior Tyler Hastings will replace departed star D.J. Singleterry at tight end. "Tyler can lift houses," Bunting joked. "Just like D.J., he'll be a tough act to follow when he's done."

The offensive line will be strong with the return of experienced center Zach Mitchell, guards Ty Jennings, Phil Townsend, and tackles Steve Alesi and Bryan Lynch.

DEFENSE: The Indians 4-4 defense allowed just 7.2 points per game and posted six shutouts last season. Ends Hastings and Phil Townsend will anchor the defensive line, while John Cordeaux and Lynch will start inside at tackle.

Despite the loss of Singleterry, the team will be strong at linebacker with Gott and Perry Townsend filling the outside spots and Jennings and Mitchell starting on the inside.

The corners will be manned by speedsters Dean and Veith, but someone must be found to replace Josh Long at safety. "Veith and Dean are fast, smart players with experience," Bunting said. "We're hoping either Kemetz or Williamson will take over at safety. They both have speed and are savvy players."

SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Andrew Cordell-Carey provides the Indians with one of the state's top kickers. Last season he connected on 36 of 45 extra-points and booted three field goals, including two in the team's playoff loss to Concord. However, the team must find someone to replace Hagans and Josh Long on returns.

OUTLOOK: The Indians have the talent and experience to contend for a third straight conference title, but Bunting's main concern is developing team unity. "We have some pretty good athletes and a bunch of interchangeable parts, but it all comes down to chemistry," Bunting said. "If we all work together as one, we'll get after some people."