The Eagles headed into spring with the goal to be faster and more efficient offensively while getting everyone on the same page for the upcoming season.

The offense returns more of the known firepower from last season in Kevin Ellison and Matt Breida. Defensively, Jack Curtis, defensive coordinator, wanted to accomplish the goals of the defense playing with more confidence and providing more depth for the season.

“The biggest strides we’ve made are probably at the D-Line, particularly the defensive end position,” Coach Curtis said.

It’s still a little early to clearly see who all will be seen playing on Saturdays, but some key positions to watch for are wide receiver and linebacker.

At wide receiver, the Eagles lost seniors Kentrellis Showers and Zach Walker to graduation this year. With senior BJ Johnson being the only returning player for the Eagles with at least ten receptions last season, his experience is crucial.

Some new faces to watch for in the wide receiver position this Saturday are sophomore Myles Campbell, junior Montay Crockett, senior Derek Keaton, senior Ed Collins and junior Ryan Longoria.

This position is on the watch because of the strength of the rushing attack. These receivers have to step up to not only catch the ball when thrown their way, but also to block downfield to set up the long runs for the offense. This position has more pressure on them than some fans realize.

With the exit of defensive leader Edwin Jackson, the linebacker position has its vacancies, and the pressure to fill that void is undeniable. Senior linebacker Antwione Williams was a player Coach Curtis referred to as one of the key leaders coming back this season as well as senior safeties Matt Dobson and Antonio Glover. With the status of linebacker, they have the roles of filling up the holes to stop the rushing attack of the offense as well as dropping back in pass coverage.

The key middle linebacker also has the task of being the “quarterback” of the defense if called upon for that role by the coaches. The faces to watch for this position are senior Deshawntee Gallon, junior Ken Butler Jr. and sophomore Chris De LaRosa.

These players and the team can be seen April 18 at Paulson Stadium for the Blue and White spring game at 1 p.m.