Coach: Tim Spiess, first year
Last season: 10-2, 6-1 NBC
Returning letter winners: 23
Returning starters: Offense 4, defense 4
Schemes: Wing-T/Multiple 50
Top players: Seniors Kyle Nutter, 5-11, 216, RB/LB; Nick Keller, 6-0, 231, C/LB; Zach Roberts, 5-11, 192, RB/DL. Juniors Casey Gose, 5-9, 158, WR/DB; Michael Deiter, 6-4, 283, OL/DL; David Nutter, 5-11, 194, RB/LB; Logan Scott, 5-9, 168, QB/LB.
Outlook: Speiss, a longtime defensive coordinator for the Comets, takes over the reigns from former head coach Mike Vicars, who remains as offensive coordinator. Spiess inherits a squad with 36 players.
Seven seniors will lead the way for the Comets, who saw their string of league titles snapped at four straight last season.
Nutter is an All-Ohio first-team running back who has rushed for more than 3,400 yards in his career. He led the NBC last season in rushing (1,399 yards) and TDs (25).
Roberts, All-NBC first team as a defensive lineman last year, joins Nutter in the backfield. Deiter was all-league first team offensive tackle.
Keller was All-NBC first team at center and linebacker. Gose scored seven touchdowns.
Scott takes over at quarterback for Josh Bryer who threw for 1,032 yards in his senior season.
Spiess said the power running game and special teams should be strengths. But he said a lack of depth could be a possible trouble area.
"The Comets will be fast and physical," Spiess said. "In my 29 years, this is the most independent group of self-motivated workers I have ever been associated with. The team's potential lies within the hearts of our senior and junior classes."
2012 GENOA SCHEDULE
Aug. 24-at Ottawa Hills
Aug. 31-Oak Harbor
Sept. 7-Port Clinton
Sept. 14-at Fostoria
Sept. 21-Lake
Sept. 28-Otsego
Oct. 5-at Elmwood
Oct. 12-at Woodmore
Oct. 19-Rossford
Oct. 26-at Eastwood
First Published August 22, 2012, 4:00 a.m.
