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Campbell, now entering his third season on the sidelines in Mayville, knows that if his team can accomplish those two things, then his goal to make his program one of the area's most respected programs will continue to take place.

"I think that this edition of the Mayville Wildcats will be very well-balanced," Campbell said. "This team has some good lineman and some speed in the offensive backfield. Our goals this season are to give up 50-70 fewer points than last season and to be competitive in each and every game.

"The one drawback of our team is the overall lack of depth at certain positions."

The lack of depth Mayville has this season is not due to a lack of numbers on the team. Although the Wildcats have just 21 players on the 2008 roster, those numbers are up from just two seasons ago when Campbell was able to suit just 17 players in his first season in 2006.

"This year's Mayville team returns eight players from a year ago," Campbell said. "We lost quite a few good football players from last year.

"The seniors we have this year are hard workers that hope to have a successful season."

Looking to take over at quarterback for the departed Justin Lugowski is senior Nate Richardson (6-0, 195). Richardson was the Wildcats' third leading rusher in 2007 and even started two games at quarterback for Mayville last season. Richardson was also second on the team in tackles in 2007.

Running back Dylan Schenk (6-2, 190) will be given the opportunity to pick up the slack of leading rusher Mark Leiber, who led the Wildcats with over 800 yards rushing in 2007. Schenk tied for team lead in interceptions his junior season and Campbell will be looking to the senior defensive back to provide leadership to a youthful defense.

"We are aggressive on defense," Campbell said. "We just want to cut down on long running plays, try to create some turnovers and improve each and every week.

"That will translate into fewer points scored for the other team."

The offensive line will be anchored by Frank Labadie (6-2, 195), who also handles the team's kicking and punting duties. Labadie was a two-way starter last season for Mayville and will be counting upon by coach Campbell to be a leader on this year's team. Joining Labadie on the offensive line will be center Craig Wyse (5-10, 230), who started every game at center in 2007 and will be counted upon to anchor the young unit in 2008.

As for his key newcomers to the varsity in 2008, Campbell expects juniors Keith Whitaker (6-2, 240) and Coty Phelps (5-11, 225) to add depth and strength to both the offensive and defensive lines. On offense, Campbell believes that juniors Corey Travis (5-6, 130) and Ryan Baxter (5-8, 150) will be new targets for QB Richardson to throw the ball to.

As for the his prediction on who the teams to beat will be in the Greater Thumb East, Campbell believes that last year's champion could very well win the conference again in 2008.

"Harbor Beach could be considered the favorite," Campbell said. "Them, along with Deckerville and Ubly. They could win it, but any of the other teams are also capable of winning the GTE title. The East is a very tough and competitive league.

"Each and every week you play another tough opponent."

Andrew Selich is Sports Editor at The County Press. He can be reached at (810) 664-0811 ext. 8124 or andrew.selich@lapeergroup.com.