LEROY - A year ago, LeRoy missed the playoffs for only the third time in the last 20 years and for the first time since 1998. Head coach B.J. Zeleznik says this year's squad is determined to get back on track and re-establish the school as a perennial playoff contender. | U Pick 'Em

"(Last year) was a tough year and I think the kids were disappointed and they wanted to do something about that," Zeleznik said. "They put the time and effort in (during the offseason) and they looked really good coming in. This group of kids, from November to the beginning of the (current school) year has put in just about as much if not more time than any group we've had."

Among those putting in a lot of time in the offseason was returning quarterback Kyle Eastham.

As a sophomore last year, Eastham piled up over 1,000 yards in total offense. He came to the first day of practice with an extra 15 pounds on his frame.

"He worked really hard in the weight room, so he'll be able to handle some of the pounding this year," Zeleznik said. "He's up to 155 or 160 pounds this year which is good because we're going to run him quite a bit and still expect him to throw the ball. He's going to be the key to our offense."

Anchoring the defense will be junior linebacker Jason Byro, a second team all-conference selection a year ago.

"He's our best defensive football player," Zeleznik said. "He has exceptional instincts and his football IQ is off the charts."

Seventeen starters return from last year's 3-6 squad, including 10 of 11 starters on defense.

A number of returning players on offense also give the Panthers depth at the skilled positions.

Zeleznik said that with the exception of a large group of tight ends, molding the offensive line is still a work in progress after losing two starters from a year ago.

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Meet the Panthers

Head coach - B.J. Zeleznik, 6th season (5-year record 38-16)

Conference - Heart of Illinois

2007 - 3-6 (2-6 in HOIC)

Roster

SENIORS

James Bodine, OL/DL, 6-1, 190; Adam Bruning, TE/DL, 6-0, 170 ; Nick Hamblin OL/DL, 6-0, 195; Wes Kindurys, WR/DB, 5-9, 160; Drew Kline OL/DL, 6-0, 195; T.J. Marcum, K/DL, 5-10, 155; Daniel Monical, RB/ LB, 5-8, 165; Craig Noe, WR/DB, 5-10, 160; Cody Underwood, OL/LB, 6-2, 180; Jared White, RB/DB, 5-6, 135.

JUNIORS

Jason Byro, RB/LB, 5-9, 185; Kyle Eastham, QB/DB, 5-10, 165; Daniel Hartwig, OL/DL, 6-3, 260; Dillon Kline, WR/DB, 5-7, 140; Ian Lewis, OL/LB, 5-10, 150; Adam McDonald, OL/DL, 5-10, 145; Trent Moberly, TE/DL, 6-2, 180; Zach Morrison, RB/LB, 6-0, 170; Justin Sexton, RB/LB, 5-9, 150; Jordan Swanson, TE/LB, 6-3, 180; Casey Williamson, RB/LB, 5-6, 145.

SOPHOMORES

Adam Antunez, OL/DL, 5-9, 250; Ethan Bruning, TE/LB, 6-0, 170; Jon Cline, OL/DL, 5-9, 195; Kyle Friedlein, OL/DL, 5-9, 175; Jordan Halm, TE/DL, 5-10, 165; Brent Noe, WR/DB, 5-8, 135; Jacob Quaid, QB/DB, 5-11, 155; Brian Roberts, RB/LB, 5-7, 165; Eric Steffen, WR/DB, 6-2, 170; Brad Toohill, OL/DB, 5-11, 245; Austin Trease, RB/LB, 5-9, 145.

Schedule

Aug. 29 - vs. Heyworth at Hancock Stadium^

Sept. 5 - Deer Creek-Mackinaw^

Sept. 12 - at Fieldcrest^

Sept. 19 - GCMS^

Sept. 26 - Blue Ridge^

Oct. 3 - Monmouth-Roseville

Oct. 10 - at Ridgeview^

Oct. 17 - at Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland^

Oct. 24 - at Tri-Valley^

Games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise indicated

^-conference game

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