Coach: Mark Ritzler, seventh year
Last season: 9-2, 6-1 TRAC
Returning letter winners: 17
Returning starters: Offense 9, defense 3
Schemes: Spread/4-4
Top players: Seniors Paul Cosiano, 6-1, 210, QB; Vance Settlemire, 5-10, 175, RB; Joe Davidson, 6-7, 200, WR-PU; Austin Niswander, 6-1, 200, WR-DB; Jimmy Orwick, 5-11, 180, WR; Wyatt Krupp, 5-11, 170, WR; Devin Dennard, 5-11, 190, LB.
Outlook: The Trojans were picked to finish sixth in the TRAC in 2011 and ended as runner-ups. They also reached the D-I playoffs.
With much of its 38-points-per game offense returning, Findlay was picked to win the conference title this year. The main concern is an inexperienced defense.
Cosiano passed for 2,032 yards and 19 TDs last year, Settlemire rushed for 1,100 yards and scored 17 TDs, Davidson punted for a 37.9-yard average, and Dennard was the top tackler with 105.
Davidson was part of a potent receiving corps with Orwick and Krupp, and Niswander is a multi-purpose threat wherever he lines up. Cosiano was named All-Ohio second team, and Settlemire and Dennard were third team. Ritzler was named D-I state co-coach of the year.
"With the offense looking to have some real firepower, the challenge will be to the young and inexperienced defense," said Ritzler, who is 32-29 at Findlay. "If they can learn quickly on the job and defend the run well, the Trojans have a chance to have a successful season."
2012 FINDLAY SCHEDULE
Aug. 24-Cleveland East Tech
Aug. 31-at Reynoldsburg
Sep. 7-Ontario Holy Trinity
Sep. 14-Lima Senior
Sep. 21-at Central Catholic
Sep. 28-St. Francis
Oct. 5-at Whitmer
Oct. 12-at Clay
Oct. 19-St. John's
Oct. 26-Fremont Ross
First Published August 22, 2012, 4:00 a.m.
