Coach: Jerry Bell, third year

Last season: 6-5, 5-2 TRAC

Returning letter winners: 23

Returning starters: Offense 6, defense 5

Schemes: Spread/​4-3

Top players: Seniors Jamal Bell, 5-9, 165, RB-WR-CB; Elijah Elliott, 5-11, 185, LB; Phil Hoskins, 6-5, 280, DL. Juniors Chase Bodeman, 6-2, 190, QB; Kobee Houghtlen, 6-4, 285, DL; Kyle Evanoff, 6-1, 220, OL; Zack Smith, 6-2, 180, WR; Austyn Melroy, 5-9, 205, LB.

Outlook: A year after their 2012 Division I state runner-up finish capped a three-year, 39-4 run, the Panthers underwent a retooling after losing some of the best talent in school history to graduation.

It was an up-and-down ride, but Whitmer improved throughout the season, placed third in the TRAC, and reached the D-I playoffs for the fifth straight season and seventh time in eight years (76-23 record, 2006-13).

Entering this season, Bell sees the Panthers better equipped to compete with co-favorite and defending champion Central Catholic for the TRAC title, and a deeper postseason run.

The multi-dimensional Jamal Bell will be the go-to guy on offense, and Bodeman rushed for over 800 yards and passed for another 500.

Coach Bell sees the offensive skill personnel as the team’s top strength, but his top concern is inexperience on the offensive line.

“We are looking forward to relying on our [22] seniors and returning lettermen to lead our team back to competing for a TRAC championship, and a playoff run” Bell said.

WHITMER

Aug. 29-Perrysburg

Sept. 5-Detroit Catholic Central

Sept. 12-Dayton Dunbar

Sept. 19-Central Catholic

Sept. 26-at Clay

Oct. 3-at Fremont Ross

Oct. 10-St. Francis

Oct. 17-at Findlay

Oct. 24-at St. John's

Oct. 31-Lima Senior

First Published August 27, 2014, 4:00 a.m.